Crapo Statement on Vote Against Further Unrestrained Federal Spending

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on his vote against the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus appropriations package.

“Instead of moving forward with individual spending bills to allow members of Congress to separate good policy from bad, we are once again having to vote on a single bill that will unfortunately add to our unsustainable debt crisis.  The omnibus appropriations package contains some good policies I have supported and championed, like robust support for our servicemembers and their missions, and support for homeless veterans.  It also includes legislation I authored as the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, including important legislation to strengthen retirement savings and improve federal health programs.  

“Unfortunately, these bipartisan provisions were combined with dozens of other provisions that likely would not have passed on their own, from Green New Deal style handouts to wasteful pet projects.  Other broadly bipartisan items were woefully omitted, including widely-supported trade priorities and critical business tax incentives, particularly R&D tax credits that incentivize innovation and growth. 

“Unrestrained federal spending over the past two years has led to one of the most expensive holiday seasons in history.  Idahoans are paying an estimated additional $819 per month--an increase of 16.5 percent--compared to two years ago.  This behemoth funding package will only add fuel to the current inflationary fire.  It is past time to rein in reckless, unnecessary government spending and get our fiscal house in order.”

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