[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 41 (Monday, March 9, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2873-S2874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, we came very close last week to passing the 
critically important Omnibus appropriations bill. At the last minute, 
one Senator changed their mind, leaving us one vote short of the 60 
needed to stop the filibuster. A decision was made, though, later that 
night to allow more debate, and we agreed on the next day, Friday, to a 
finite list of amendments. These amendments are the only ones in order 
to this piece of legislation.
  It is important we did that. It was important to do because it is 
important this legislation be passed. It is necessary to continue the 
process because of the importance of this legislation. It will create 
jobs, expand access to education, and protect our neighborhoods. It 
will provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission with the resources 
necessary to ensure that products such as toys are safe. This is for 
families and, of course, their children. This legislation will help 
families avoid foreclosure and refinance into affordable mortgages. It 
will help the Department of Justice and the Department of Treasury 
fight terrorism, drug trafficking, and crime in our communities.
  It will improve our environment with investments in the Department of 
Interior and other agencies tasked with reducing pollution. It will 
keep us healthier with funds to fight ailments and diseases. This 
legislation will educate and prepare our workforce, promote science and 
technology, and create jobs. And, of course, it will help rebuild our 
crumbling roads, bridges, and tunnels, and other projects that are so 
vitally needed at this time to create jobs. The Omnibus bill provides 
smart, targeted investments in our country and its future, and it 
reflects sound compromise and cooperation between Democrats and 
Republicans dating back into last year.
  We have not yet reached the finish line on this legislation, but we 
are close. Today we will move forward by debating a number of 
amendments, as we continue moving forward toward passing this bill.

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