By now everyone is aware the Omnibus Spending and Tax Provision bills, used by Republicans in lieu of an actual Fiscal Year 2016 budget (Thanks Boehner Inc), have passed today.
However, for the sake of clarity -and because in the current legislative climate so many refuse to believe reality- it must be absolutely noted, WITHOUT DOUBT, what took place.
Republicans control the House and Senate – specifically because we supported them into office – however, this spending/tax package was passed with DEMOCRAT SUPPORT.
Stop – Pause – Think.
Republican Majority Speaker of The House Paul Ryan and Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell passed a spending and tax bill supported by more Democrats than Republicans.
Let that sink in.
The “Consolidated Appropriations Act” (AKA Omnibus) was added to HR 2029 (Tax Bill) and sent to the Senate as a single, combined package. The vote to do this was:
316 Yea, 113 Nay
166 Democrats supported, 150 Republicans supported. (link)
A spending and tax bill more supported by Democrats than Republicans is passed while Republicans are in control of the House of Representatives.
On the Senate side HR 2029 – A vote in favor was to approve the package and send it to the President for a signature. So what happened?
65 Yea, 33 Nay
38 Democrats supported, 27 Republicans supported. (link)
Again, within the Republican Controlled Senate, the spending and tax bill was more supported by Democrats than Republicans.