Isakson Strongly Opposes $1.1 Trillion Omnibus Spending Bill, Supports Short-Term Continuing Resolution

'The Message from the Voters in November was Loud and Clear: We Must Get Our Fiscal House in Order’

Dec 17, 2010

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today said he strongly opposes the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending package and is pleased that the Senate Democratic leader has now abandoned plans to call it up for a vote. Isakson said he will support a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government at current levels until early next year.

“The message from the voters in November was loud and clear: We must get our fiscal house in order and stop the out-of-control federal spending,” Isakson said. “I philosophically disagree with the concept of omnibus spending bills. I strongly believe each one of the 12 appropriation bills deserves scrutiny and a thorough debate. A short-term continuing resolution is the right thing to do.”

Isakson has introduced legislation, S.169, to reform the federal budget process. His bill would require the president to submit a two-year budget at the beginning of the first session of a Congress. Members of Congress would then need to adopt a two-year budget resolution, a reconciliation bill if necessary and two-year appropriations bills during that first session. The legislation ensures the enactment of two-year appropriations bills by providing a new majority point of order against consideration of an appropriations bill that fails to cover two years.

The second session of a Congress would then be devoted to the consideration of authorization bills and oversight of federal programs. Isakson believes the enhanced oversight will result in more accountability of government programs.