Jefferson Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 13, 2024 - United States Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has expressed her concerns about the supplemental spending bill that was passed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. In a statement released today, Senator Britt highlighted the need for regular order and accountability in the federal spending process.

Senator Britt, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized the importance of timely action on appropriations bills. She stated, "I was proud to see all 12 Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills publicly marked up and advanced by the end of July. Under the leadership of Senators Murray and Collins, this was a significant step forward towards restoring regular order and reinstituting responsibility, transparency, and accountability to the federal spending process."

However, Senator Britt expressed her disappointment with the delay in enacting these appropriations bills. She pointed out that "during these past 201 days, not a single one of those appropriations bills has been enacted, despite the fact that FY24 began 135 days ago." This delay has put Congress significantly behind schedule, as the President's budget request for FY25 was statutorily due last week.

Senator Britt also criticized Senator Schumer for not allowing an FY24 appropriations bill to come to the floor in 104 days, while considering a supplemental funding bill. She argued that it is nonsensical to consider a supplemental bill when the base funding for FY24 is still uncertain. She stated, "How can we supplement something that hasn't occurred yet? It's completely backwards. Senator Schumer is trying to ice a cake that hasn't been baked."

Highlighting the urgency to address the broken federal spending process, Senator Britt emphasized the growing national debt of over $34.2 trillion. She expressed her concern about burdening future generations with this debt and stressed the need to restore regular order to the appropriations process. Senator Britt believes that restoring regular order is crucial in controlling wasteful spending and preserving opportunities for generations to come.

In conclusion, Senator Katie Britt has voiced her concerns about the supplemental spending bill and the need for regular order and accountability in the federal spending process. She believes that timely action on appropriations bills is essential to control wasteful spending and ensure a better future for the country.