Milwaukee City Wire

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and 18 of his Republican Senate colleagues in a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, asserting their refusal to consent or vote on any Senate floor item unrelated to appropriations bills. The senators also urged Leader Schumer to outline his plan for the Senate to pass the 12 appropriations bills through an open amendment process and conference them with the House to avoid a December omnibus spending package. With just 44 days of government funding remaining after the passing of a Continuing Resolution last week, this letter carries significant weight.

"Informing Majority Leader Schumer of our intent, we are taking a principled stand to prioritize the appropriations process," said U.S. Senator Ron Johnson. "It is crucial that we tackle the necessary funding measures and avoid another bloated omnibus spending package. We urge Leader Schumer to present his plan for timely consideration of the appropriations bills with an open amendment process and conferencing with the House."

The letter, signed by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Shelley Moore-Capito (R-W. Va.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah), emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the appropriations bills and ensuring a transparent and efficient legislative process.