Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Statement

Congressman Tim Ryan made the following statement tonight after he voted against the Omnibus Appropriations bill:

"This Appropriations bill is a hand- out to the big banks and opens the door for big money to further corrupt our political process all the while gutting the pensions of working class families. While I believe it is important to pass a long term government funding bill, I could not vote in favor of this package that includes so many toxic, partisan provisions. This legislation fails to include an extension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), which helped so many struggling families pay their health bills, including more than 20,000 Delphi salaried retirees. On top of that I am vehemently opposed to the last minute inclusion of language that severely cuts the pensions of retirees enrolled in multi-employer pension plans. These changes would slash the benefits of the hardworking men and women of my District and across the nation who are entitled to the retirement they were promised.

"This legislation, if enacted, would also be one of the most corrupting campaign finance rules on our books by allowing individuals to contribute to each national party's three committees a total of $1,555,200 per election cycle. We are continuing down a dangerous path when it comes to how our elections are paid for and how our democracy operates. Furthermore, I cannot support the inclusion of language, written by Citi Group, that allows taxpayer-insured commercial banks to trade derivatives. Banks have the right to gamble with their own money, but the risk cannot be on the backs of the American taxpayers. I am disappointed that Congress could not compromise and pass a clean government funding bill. The American people deserve better."

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