On the recordNovember 1, 2023
I want to thank everyone who has worked with me and the senior Senator from Maine to get our bipartisan spending package here. Over the last few days, we have had a truly robust amendment process and considered 40 amendments, and this vote is now our chance to get Congress back on track so that we can fund our government in a bipartisan way, avoid another massive, end-of-the-year omnibus, and address pressing issues like aid to our allies, disaster relief, childcare prices, and more. By passing this bill today, we can send a crucial message to the American people and the world that, yes, Democrats and Republicans can work together; and, yes, the United States is still strong and still responsive to the challenges before us. So I urge everyone who wants to avoid another year-end omnibus, everyone who has worked with us to put this package together, to vote with us to pass it. Let's get the job done. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maine.
