Passing $1.1T Appropriations Bill a Victory for Democrats

Today, the House of Representatives voted on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, a $1.1T bill to fund the day-to-day operations of the federal government and make critical investments in our national security and programs that serve the American people. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-MN) released the following statement regarding her vote in support of this legislation:

“The appropriations bill that was passed today is a significant political victory for Democrats in Congress. Republicans hold their largest Congressional majority in 66 years, but Democrats forced the most harmful conservative policy riders out of this bill. Attacks on women’s health, Syrian refugees, and our environment were stripped from this bill because Democrats stood united. This bill demonstrates that Democrats will stand united to defend our priorities and that Republicans are still unable to effectively govern.

“In addition to pulling the worst of the worst policy riders from the bill, Democrats delivered increased investments for clean air, clean water, and our nation’s parks. This legislation also includes increased funding for anti-poverty efforts, medical research, and education. The new investments in this bill are at their highest possible level given our current budget situation. 150 Republicans followed the leadership of the Democratic minority and supported this new spending.

“In spite of an overwhelming majority, Republicans were forced to abandon nearly all of their right-wing budget and policy priorities because Democrats kept the focus on governing responsibly and meeting the needs of the American people.”