AOC Votes Against $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Bill

On Thursday, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) was the lone Democrat to vote against the $1.7 trillion omnibus bill. The bill, which passed in a 217-197 vote, includes several provisions that have been heavily contested by both sides of the aisle. The bill includes a provision that would allow drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and also includes language that could weaken environmental protections for endangered species and waters. It also contains a measure that would roll back parts of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, a law enacted after the 2008 financial crisis to prevent banks from taking excessive risks with customers’ money. In addition to these provisions, AOC has expressed concern over what she believes is inadequate funding for certain social programs such as housing assistance and healthcare initiatives. In her statement following her vote against the bill, she said “I cannot support this legislation because it does not do enough to protect our communities from poverty and inequality." Despite her opposition to many of its contents, AOC did express support for some aspects of the bill such as increased funding for veterans’ health care and infrastructure projects. She also noted that while she voted against it due to its shortcomings, she was still pleased with some of its accomplishments such as providing aid to Puerto Rico and raising wages for federal employees. Though AOC was ultimately unsuccessful in blocking passage of the omnibus bill, her stance has earned praise from many progressive groups who have long sought more robust social programs and stronger environmental protections than those included in this package. Her willingness to stand up for what she believes in even when it means going against her own party has been seen by many as an example of courage and integrity in politics today.