WASHINGTON, D.C. – After casting an ‘aye’ vote for H.R. 1, U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) issued the following statement:

“Last year’s elections were a resounding repudiation of the status quo with respect to both a lack of fiscal responsibility in government and ‘business as usual’ in Washington.  In that light, and given the wide gap between the substantial $57 billion in cuts put forward by Republicans and the $4.7 billion in reductions put forward by the majority, the best way to proceed would have been to avoid a partisan show-down and all-or-nothing, up-or-down votes. Instead, astoundingly, we were not allowed a single amendment, and were denied the opportunity to consider any changes to a $1 trillion spending measure — in stark contrast to the House of Representatives, where more than 700 amendments were offered.

“Frankly, I do have concerns that environmental policy changes as well as reductions in the bill to programs including cuts to Title X, education, and funds for a vital bridge repair project in Maine — should have received the benefit of full debate and consideration of amendments on the Senate Floor.  At the same time, as a long-time champion against deficit spending and big government, given that non-defense discretionary spending has increased 26 percent over the last two years, and total spending is projected to increase from historical levels of 20 percent of the economy to 45 percent by 2050, it is crucial to signal that the level of cuts proposed by the Democratic majority falls far short of addressing our perilous fiscal situation.

“Going forward, it is now critical that the President convene congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle to sit down and work to achieve results on the nation’s spending priorities and bottom line.”