Sam Brownback: “I rise to discuss the Omnibus appropriations bill that is before us today. Although I am supportive of a number of…”

“I rise to discuss the Omnibus appropriations bill that is before us today. Although I am supportive of a number of important items in the bill, I have serious concerns and reservations about how this voluminous package was put together and how it has reached this point. As we are all aware, none of the 11 bills in this package have ever been considered on the floor of this chamber. I believe this is a travesty and entirely contrary to our democratic process. I, for one, believe that next year we must make it a priority to consider all of the appropriations bills in regular order so that all Members can participate in the process. We are appropriating nearly $933 billion through this bill and only a select few Members in both Chambers have participated in the allocation of those dollars. Despite my deep concerns about the process of putting this bill together, I have chosen to support it because it is within the President's budget request, it provides bridge-funding to support our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it contains a number of other items that I support. I am pleased that the bill contains funds to continue Marriage Development Accounts in the District of Columbia.”