Shelby: FY23 Omnibus Package Strengthens National Defense

Secures 10% Defense Increase, Takes Care of Veterans, Rejects Wasteful Non-defense Budget Request

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) omnibus appropriations package containing all 12 appropriations measures was filed today in the U.S. Senate. In addition to the annual funding bills, the legislation includes $47 billion in emergency funding to support Ukraine’s valiant efforts to repulse Russian invaders and bring the conflict to an end. It also includes $38 billion in much-needed emergency disaster assistance. The Senate and House are expected to vote on the package this week prior to the government funding deadline of December 23. Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) issued the following statement regarding the legislation:

“After many months of ongoing negotiations, we have reached an agreement on an omnibus appropriations package to fund the government for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Since day one, I have insisted on increasing defense funding well above the President’s request without similar increases in wasteful liberal non-defense spending. I’m pleased that this package meets the level set by the NDAA last week, which is $76 billion over last year – an increase of 10%. The non-defense funding level is an increase of only 5.5%, reducing the Administration’s wasteful non-defense budget request increase by more than half. I am also very pleased that veterans’ health care costs will be funded as budgeted without using accounting gimmicks designed to enable more wasteful spending. And, once again, we rejected all poison pills while preserving crucial legacy riders.

“Further, the legislation provides a significant down payment on critical disaster assistance for millions of Americans affected by recent storms and fires, as well as continued support for the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom and survival.

“This process was far from perfect, but ultimately it allowed Republican redlines to be adhered to and because of that I will urge my colleagues to support this package. We need to do our job and fund the government.”

The following are links to the legislative text, explanatory statement, and highlights for each of the FY23 funding measures:

Bill Text

Joint Explanatory Statement