Congress met another funding deadline last week, this time with a massive $1.3 trillion omnibus to fund the government through September.  The 2,200+ page bill was given to me and my colleagues approximately 17 hours before we were scheduled to vote.

When I came to Washington, I made a commitment to Minnesotans to uphold the fiscal conservative principles on which I was elected and do everything possible to fix the broken processes of Congress.

The commitment I made to you is why I voted ‘No’ on the omnibus bill last week.

In addition to giving the American taxpayer a trillion dollar deficit, the bill allowed for continued funding of sanctuary cities and Planned Parenthood. It did not include my amendment to eliminate duplicative environmental reviews for mining in Minnesota. It also exempted repeal of the Obama-era Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

While there were positive provisions included, like funding for our military and a much needed fix to the “grain glitch” for our farmers, I firmly believe Congress must improve the process by which we fund our government and this nation.

The House passed all twelve appropriations bills back in September, but because of procedural rules in the Senate requiring a 60 vote majority, Chuck Schumer obstructed every single one.

Changing the system is difficult, but I believe we can do better. Until then, count on my vote against any 2,000+ page omnibus that balloons our national debt.