Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Georgia Republican, voiced her frustration with broken promises within the GOP, asserting to Newsweek that there was “no reason to vote” on the six-bill government funding measure passed in the House on Wednesday.
The comprehensive $460 billion measure, referred to as a minibus, extends through September 30 and funds crucial departments, including Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Transportation, and Commerce, as well as military construction.
The House passed the bill with a 339-85 vote to avert a potential partial government shutdown that could occur Friday night. The legislation will now proceed to the Senate floor for further consideration.
In expressing her dissent, Greene explained to Newsweek her decision to vote against the minibus, highlighting her objection to consolidating multiple appropriations bills into one comprehensive measure. She emphasized that Republicans had pledged to abstain from endorsing omnibuses, minibusses, and continuing resolutions (CRs), yet the minibus contradicted these assurances.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, garnered more support from Democrats than Republicans for the funding measure, a trend increasingly observed in the GOP-controlled lower chamber.
Among the 339 votes in favor, 207 came from Democrats and 132 from Republicans, while 83 Republicans and merely two Democrats opposed the measure. Greene has consistently criticized the employment of CRs and bundled spending packages that amalgamate various funding measures into single bills.
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Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the leading Democrat on the Rules Committee, underscored the Democrats’ commitment to effective governance by averting government shutdowns, which could detrimentally impact the economy and constituents.
He stressed the importance of bipartisan collaboration, particularly in a divided government, to advance essential bills to fruition. Expressing gratitude to the Republicans supporting the minibus, McGovern emphasized the significance of cooperation in the legislative process.
The minibus represents Congress’s initial legislative stride towards establishing a budget for the 2024 fiscal year, which commenced on October 1, 2023. Over recent months, CRs have been utilized to extend funding deadlines and prevent government shutdowns as lawmakers grappled with passing the 12 individual spending bills required.
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The minibus now awaits Senate approval, with Congress tasked with finalizing legislation to fund the remainder of the government by the March 22 deadline.
In summarizing the situation, it’s evident that Greene’s objection to the minibus reflects broader discontent within the GOP regarding the handling of appropriations bills and adherence to campaign promises.
As the legislative process unfolds, the collaboration between parties will be crucial in addressing fiscal challenges and ensuring the effective functioning of government operations.
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