Just over two hours away from a government shutdown deadline on Thursday night, a bipartisan coalition in the House approved a massive year-end funding bill for the federal government, turning back a challenge from liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans who had hoped to derail the measure for many different reasons.
"Tonight we set the stage for a battle with the President on his illegal actions on immigration," said Rep. Steve Scalise, the third ranking Republican in the House, as the Omnibus would keep immigration activities on a temporary budget until February 27, 2015.
"I think it was in the best interests of this country economically to keep things moving forward," said Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK).
"It's important to move this forward," said Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH). "We have a number of important provisions that keep the government going."
But 67 Republicans broke with their leaders to vote against the bill, arguing the plan was not what voters envisione when they gave the GOP a series of victories last month at the ballot box.
On the other side of the aisle, 57 Democrats broke ranks to vote for the bill, delivering needed votes in favor of the Omnibus plan.
"I know that there's some good stuff in there," said Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), "But there's also some bad stuff in there," as Democrats denounced provisions related to how banks deal with derivatives and changes in how much people can contribute to national political parties.
The Senate did not immediately vote on the Omnibus, instead sending President Obama a two-day stop gap budget; that will give Senators extra time to debate and vote on the Omnibus.
As for how lawmakers voted - here is the list of Democrats who voted for the bill:
Credit: Jamie Dupree
Credit: Jamie Dupree
There were 67 Republicans who voted against the bill:
Credit: Jamie Dupree
Credit: Jamie Dupree
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