Sessions: Omnibus bill decided by four members in secret
By Anna Giaritelli • 12/17/15 9:40 PM
Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions condemned GOP congressional leadership in a radio interview Thursday. He charged that Republican leaders relied not on members of the House and Senate but on non-lawmakers for final input and approval of the omnibus spending bill.
"No member of even the House and Senate knew what was going on. Special interests did because we heard from lobbyists what some things were being considered. It's not right for ultimately four members, in secret — for reasons we have no understanding of — to make critical decisions on things," Sessions told Portland, Oregon-based radio host Lars Larson Thursday night.
The senator blamed recently appointed House Speaker Paul Ryan for H-2B and other provisions, but added that the Wisconsinite came in to his new position too late to break the momentum behind the annual spending bill.
But the senior member on the Senate Judiciary and Budget Committees warned the lack of communication between members and leadership "must not continue next year." He insisted Congress follow floor procedures so members know what amendments and provisions have been added or removed from the bill.
"This kind of process is unhealthy ... because in a matter of panic before Christmas we're told 'you either vote for this bill or shut the government down' and that would be a colossal disaster," Sessions said.
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