Spending bill trouble brews as Sen Mike Lee warns of Christmas ‘swampbus’
As the pre-Christmas deadline approaches, Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, is sounding the alarm about a potential large omnibus spending bill that Congress may try to pass. This bill would allow the government to continue operating under the spending levels preferred by Democrats and President Biden. In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Lee urged Americans not to let the “swamp steal Christmas,” depicting Biden as the Grinch.
Lee accused Democrats of trying to undermine President Trump’s agenda by keeping spending at Biden’s levels. He warned that the omnibus bill could be a way for Congress to do favors for lobbyists, donors, and friends while spending taxpayer dollars recklessly. The senator predicted that the bill might include a stopgap spending measure, more funding for Ukraine, a debt limit suspension, and other priorities with looming deadlines.
In response, Lee called on Americans to contact their senators and representatives and demand that they reject any omnibus bill. Instead, he suggested passing a short-term continuing resolution to allow the newly-elected Republican Congress to enact reforms and make America great again.
A continuing resolution would keep spending steady for a set period, providing time for Congress to pass individual appropriations bills. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., indicated that a temporary measure might be necessary if appropriations bills are not passed by the deadline. He criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for not bringing any appropriations bills to the Senate floor.
Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, expressed hope for passing individual appropriations bills but acknowledged that a continuing resolution or omnibus bill might be necessary. She emphasized the risks of triggering spending caps and defense cuts if the appropriations process extends into the next fiscal year.
Senator John Boozman, R-Ark., preferred passing the spending bills individually but acknowledged that Congress might end up with an omnibus. He highlighted the negative impact of continuing resolutions on military operations and the need to clear the deck for new projects.
Failure to approve new spending could result in a partial government shutdown before Christmas. Schumer’s office did not provide immediate comment on the issue. As Congress navigates the budget process, the decisions made in the coming weeks will have significant implications for government operations and spending priorities.
Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, is leading coverage of the U.S. Senate. Her reporting on the budget negotiations and spending bills will be crucial in understanding the impact on American taxpayers and government programs. Follow Julia’s reporting for the latest updates on the budget process and appropriations bills.
