U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was among the senators who voted against the $460 billion spending package that would have averted a government shutdown. Cruz expressed concern that the bill would contribute to inflation.
"American families have faced rampant inflation caused by runaway Democrat spending. This chaos has meant skyrocketing prices for Texans filling up their cars with gas, buying groceries, and paying their monthly bills," Cruz said.
According to NPR, the vote passed 75 to 22 as senators agreed to approve six spending bills to keep the government operational until Sept. 30, marking the end of the fiscal year. President Joe Biden signed the bill on March 9, and the specifics of what these bills will entail were finalized by lawmakers on March 22.
Cruz further commented, "Appropriations bills shouldn’t continue this trend, mortgage our children’s futures, or fund radical policies and a host of earmarks. Texans deserved better than this hastily-crafted legislation that failed to address our border and illegal immigration crisis, and failed to protect taxpayer dollars in a responsible manner."
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) countered before the vote was taken, "To folks who worry that divided government means nothing ever gets done, this bipartisan package says otherwise. It helps parents and veterans and firefighters and farmers and school cafeterias and more."