Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar voted for the Fiscal Year 2012 Omnibus Bill, which prevents a potential government shutdown and provides funding for critical domestic programs. The bill passed by a vote of 296 to 121.

“While I am relieved that Congress reached a deal to avert a government shut down and fund programs that are critical for the American people, I am also disheartened that this 1,200-page bill was filed last night at midnight,” said Congressman Cuellar. “In past years, our Republican friends have complained about Democrats for filing emergency bills at short notice, and today members of Congress had to rush to read every page of this must-pass appropriations bill. This does not live up to a pledge the Majority made to ensure all bills are available for debate at least three days before coming to a vote on the House floor.”

“I hope that the next time we consider legislation of this magnitude, we avoid last-minute stand-offs and work in a bi-partisan manner for the American people who expect us to get the job done,” said Congressman Cuellar.

The omnibus bill contains 9 appropriations bills that provide funding for domestic programs such as national security, benefit programs for veterans and active military and homeland security efforts for border protection. The bills will fund Defense, Energy and Water, Homeland Security, Labor/Health and Human Services, Education, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Financial Services, the Legislative Branch and State and Foreign Operations. The appropriations package remains consistent with the Budget Control Act’s $1.043 trillion cap on FY 2012 discretionary spending.