Washington – Senator Johnson made the following remarks on why he voted against H.R. 83:

“I sincerely hope this is the last massive omnibus spending bill that will come before the U.S. Senate during my tenure.  This dysfunctional process of funding the federal government primarily stems from Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's mismanagement of the Senate.  Under his ‘leadership,’ the Senate hasn't passed an individual prioritized appropriations bill since 2011.  This has shielded his Democrat colleagues from taking votes and being held accountable.

“His strategy didn't work.  In November, American voters held Democrats accountable for their mismanagement — not only of the U.S. Senate but, more importantly, of the U.S. economy, our health care system and the federal budget. 

“Unfortunately, Harry Reid was still in charge of the Senate as Congress debated how to fund the government for the remainder of this fiscal year.   House Republicans compromised to produce a funding bill that stayed within the budget caps and contained a number of policy provisions that were good for Wisconsin and America.  Eastern Wisconsin will soon benefit from a Highway 41 Interstate designation without overly burdensome truck weight restrictions, and Marinette Marine received funding and greater certainty for future littoral combat ship production.  Congratulations to Congressmen Tom Petri and Reid Ribble, who were instrumental in making sure those provisions were included in the House bill.

“I am looking forward to serving in the majority and assuming the chairmanship of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in the next Congress.  Under new leadership, the Senate will be committed to passing a budget and individual prioritized spending bills that will begin to reduce and eliminate the duplication, waste and fraud present in government agencies and programs.   Instead of having to vote no, I hope to be able to vote yes on more responsible spending and budget bills in the next Congress.”

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