Early last week, the U.S. Congress passed a $1.66 trillion Appropriations Act which received mixed reactions from Democrats and Republicans alike.
This act outlines discretionary government spending allocations for fiscal year 2023. The bill includes $800 billion in non-defense funding which represents the highest ever level allocated for non-defense funding. The bill passed in the House of Representatives on a 225-201-1 vote (including 9 Republicans). The bill also passed in the Senate, on a vote of 68-29 (including 18 out of 50 Senate Republicans). The spending bill was opposed by House Republican conservatives and some Senate conservatives.
An omnibus bill packages together smaller appropriations bills that allocate funding to specific federal departments and agencies. In this way, Congress votes on one larger bill vs. individual ones, ensuring there is adequate federal funding and preventing a government shutdown. The government must draft and pass a discretionary spending bill each year.
As summarized on the official website of the House of Representatives the "Omnibus includes highest level for non-defense funding ever, lowers the cost of living for working families, creates better-paying jobs, and keeps our nation and communities safe; Provides critical funding to support Ukraine and relief to help communities recover from natural disasters".
Broad spending categories include Agriculture & Rural Development, Commerce / Justice, Defense, Energy & Water, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Interior / Environment, Labor / Health, Legislative, Military Construction & Veteran Affairs, State / Foreign Operations, and Transportation, Housing & Urban Development.
Additionally, the bill includes approximately $45 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and NATO allies in Europe. The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act which provides military funding and emergency aid for Ukraine against Russia's unprovoked attack. The act includes "$12.35 billion in assistance related to Ukraine, including training, equipment, weapons, logistics support, and direct financial support for the government of Ukraine".
The over 4,000-page bill includes a ban on TikTok on government devices, changes to retirement and Medicaid rules, extension of telehealth, protection of pregnant and breastfeeding workers, among other provisions. The bill now awaits President Joe Biden's signature as the final step to approval.