Sullivan Opposes Government Spending Measure
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today released the following statement after opposing H.R. 1625, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, a $1.3 trillion spending bill that funds the government through Fiscal Year 2018.
“While this legislation contains many critical spending priorities – necessary increases for our military and national security, safeguards for our schools and local communities, and investments to encourage job creation and economic growth – I could not in good conscience vote for it. Over 2,200 pages of legislative text, hundreds if not thousands of pages of accompanying documents – all with huge implications for our economy and our citizens – deserves far more than 28 hours to read and review. My commitment to Alaskans to give legislation – particularly something of this size and magnitude – the appropriate level of due diligence and attention simply could not be met under these circumstances. This was a difficult vote for me, in large part because the bill contained a number of Alaska-specific priorities I authored or fought for – including funding for Secure Rural Schools and the Denali Commission, investments to fight our addiction and mental health crisis, resources for water and sewer infrastructure, and necessary upgrades to our missile defense systems.
“Since arriving to the Senate, I’ve said our system for funding the federal government is in dire need of repair. Sadly, this process was business as usual – an all or nothing deal, without a single opportunity for amendments or ample time for review. The Alaskan and American people deserve better. I’m committed to continuing work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring a more predictable and transparent budget process back to the U.S. Senate.
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