WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after the Senate voted on the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the federal government through September 30, 2023:

“For months, I have spoken out about this dysfunctional process which has left Congress with two bad choices after completely disregarding the regular appropriations process. This last minute funding bill was negotiated behind closed doors by the Democratic leadership, and despite their unilateral authority to set the schedule, they have failed in one of the most basic responsibilities. This is not what responsible governing looks like.”

“However, the consequences of a government shutdown directly impact our national and economic security at a time when our country cannot afford that type of disruption. This legislation supports the important missions of our military, border security, and national defense as well as the brave men and women behind them.”

The FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill:

• Strengthens national security with a 10-percent increase in defense spending, including a 4.6-percent pay raise for our troops as well a $315 million investment to upgrade and improve military facilities in Texas.
• Supports border communities in Texas that absorb the costs from the surge of illegal immigration by directing $800 million to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to compensate these communities.
• Provides funding for Border Patrol, including an increase of 300 new agents.
• Enhances security at ports of entry by providing $70 million for advanced security screen technology to help crack down on illegal border crossings. 
• Supports rural Texas communities and Texas’ robust agriculture industry with $3.7 billion in disaster assistance made available for Texas farmers, ranchers, and producers affected by an unprecedented drought.
• Invests in school safety grants with $216 million in federal grants and national initiatives to curb school and neighborhood violence.
• Allocates $4.2 billion for the F-35 program, supporting manufacturing and jobs at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Provides $1.61 billion in IMPACT Act for local school districts with military instillations or federal land.
• Supports and funds laws introduced and passed by Sen. Cornyn to support victims of crime and abuse, including the Debbie Smith Act reauthorization, PROTECT Our Children Act, Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, Abolish Human Trafficking Act, and the SANE Act.