Appropriations Bill Passes in House, Minority of Republicans Call it Funding for the 'Swamp'

U.S. Representatives shared their rationales for voting for or against the newest appropriations bill that stopped a government shutdown.

The bill passed 339-85. The vote was not strictly on party lines, but most “no” votes came from Republicans (83).

GOP Members of Congress boasted cuts to federal agencies including the FBI (6%), ATF (7%), and EPA (9.6%).

Representative Daniel Webster (R-FL) pointed to the notion that this year’s appropriations bill will “spend less money this year” compared to last year.

“I ran for office pledging to do my part to slow the spigot of spending and get our fiscal house in order. Under this bill, for the first time since 2013, the Federal Government will spend less money this year than last year.

“I wish the spending reductions were more substantial, but we cannot let perfect be the enemy of good. Given how much deficit spending President Biden and Chuck Schumer have embraced over the last three years it is remarkable that Republicans were able to make any meaningful cuts to the budget. Today’s budget is a step in the right direction, and for these reasons, on behalf of my constituents and grandchildren I was obligated to vote yes,” said Rep. Webster.

Republicans who voted no include Representatives Matt Gaetz (FL), Chip Roy (TX), Cory Mills (FL), Troy Nehls (TX), and Byron Donalds (FL).

Rep. Gaetz highlighted what he believed to be “outrageous race-based projects” in the appropriations bill.

“In the FY24 Appropriations bills, over $61 MILLION in taxpayer money is set to be wasted on outrageous race-based projects. Congress should be focused on reducing spending,” said Rep. Gaetz.

Rep. Nehls said that this bill continues the “reckless spending problem” in Washington, D.C.

“Our nation is nearly $35 trillion in debt, our borders are wide-open due to the failed policies of the Biden Administration, and the American people are suffering because of it,” said Congressman Nehls. “Unfortunately, this appropriations package continues the reckless spending problem in the Swamp. Our nation’s taxpayers deserve better. Our country deserves better. The status quo must end.”

One of two Democrats – Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) – voted against the bill. He cited the change in the background check system in the legislation for his “no” vote.

“The appropriations bill that we just voted on has a lot of good in it. Some might be wondering why I voted NO. It’s quite simple. Tucked away in this bill is the greatest rollback of the background check system since it was created. This rollback would allow veterans that have been deemed by the Veterans Administration to be mentally incompetent to buy guns. These are folks that the VA no longer trusts to [manage] their own benefits. Veterans who are also unfortunately, at a high risk of suicide,” said Rep. Frost.

He added, “20,000 people are added to this list every year, & with this roll back, they’ll be clear to buy a gun. I consider this a poison pill that will result in more gun violence. Gun Violence Prevention is not just a priority issue, it’s what got me involved in politics at 15 yrs old.”

The bill needed a two-thirds vote to pass.