Garbarino Votes Against Democrats' Massive End of Year Wish List Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) voted NO on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2617, Democrats' $1.7 Trillion end of year Omnibus package. Following the vote, Rep. Garbarino released the below statement: 

“Once again Democrats dropped a 4,000 page bill in the middle of the night which allocates more than a trillion dollars to a litany of partisan policies that the American people don’t support while ignoring critical issues facing our nation. The Omnibus not only fails to address the border crisis at a time when border patrol is being completely overrun by an avalanche of migrants, but instead includes billions for policies that will further encourage illegal immigration and cuts funding for ICE detention facilities needed to process the incoming migrants. This bill not only fails to address our economic crisis at a time when a majority of Americans report living paycheck to paycheck in Joe Biden’s economy, but in fact is sure to increase already record inflation and worsen conditions for families struggling to make ends meet. This bill not only fails to promote American energy production at a time when our reliance of foreign fuel has created serious national security and economic concerns, but actually takes over $2 billion meant to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve with crude oil and allocates it to unrelated Democrat priorities.

“Most egregious to me personally was the exclusion of legislation to fully close the funding gap in the World Trade Center Health Program which, if not corrected will soon lead to 9/11 first responders and survivors losing access to health care for 9/11 related illnesses. This is an issue I have worked diligently on over the last two years with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I am especially grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her efforts to ensure some funds for the program were included in this bill. However, the amount of money allocated is a band aid that will only temporarily delay the inevitable program cuts and prolong the painful uncertainty our 9/11 heroes are experiencing. I cannot support half measures when the stakes are this high. I look forward to leading the fight in the House next Congress to secure the full amount needed to safeguard this program and give 9/11 first responders and survivors the peace of mind they deserve.

“All of this considered, I simply could not, in good conscious, vote for this Democrat wish list bill when Republicans are just days away from taking control of the House and would, if given the chance in the new Congress, be able to negotiate a full year funding bill more in line with the wishes of the American people.”

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