Republicans rejoice over spending bill

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Congressional Republicans say their blocking of the $1.2 trillion omnibus spending bill shows they are prepared to cut the U.S. budget.

Officials now say anything likely to pass in the lame-duck session would pay for the government only through February or March, The New York Times reported. That means the new Congress, with a Republican majority in the House, will have to move quickly to work on appropriations for the rest of the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

Leaders said Friday their actions have already shown their determination.

"Beginning in January, the House is going to become the outpost in Washington for the American people and their desire for a smaller, less costly and more accountable government," said Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, who will become speaker in January.

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., echoed his words.

"The defeat of the omnibus should reassure every American that their voice is making a difference in Washington," he said.

The spending bill passed the House, still under Democratic control. But Democrats were unable to get the votes to bring the bill to the floor.