Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the below statement following today’s vote on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, also known as the Omnibus Bill:

“One thing I’ve learned throughout my time in Congress – and as a married man – is that you do not typically get everything you want. Today, we voted on a piece of legislation where both sides of the aisle won some and lost some.

“Like many of my colleagues, there are many items I wished would have been included, however, I believe it is more important to acknowledge some of the positive and crucial items that were included in the Omnibus Bill. This legislation repeals the out of date oil export ban, strengthens the Visa Waiver Program, makes the United States trade agreement compliant by repealing COOL and invests in our nation’s transportation infrastructure. This bill addresses our country’s out of control Washington bureaucracy by reining in the IRS and cutting funding for the EPA’s overreaches. Today’s bill also prohibits taxpayer funding for abortions as well as any new funding for Obamacare. Lastly, we provide for our heroes by honoring our commitments to our veterans, adequately funding our military, and providing necessary health care benefits to 9/11 first responders.

While it is clear I see many benefits to today’s Omnibus Bill, the fact is that I had concerns that I simply could not push aside. Our nation faces an enormous and growing $18 trillion debt that our children and grandchildren will be burdened with, unless we begin to act. I have great issues with new spending without plans to slow debt increases. I am hopeful that yesterday’s tax extender package along with the pro-growth policies in today’s bill, will lead to a stronger economic recovery that will benefit all Americans.”