AOC is only Democrat to vote against $1.7 trillion spending plan

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Friday was the only Democrat to vote against the $1.7 trillion spending package that has been passed by Congress.

The progressive New York City firebrand cited increases in spending on immigration enforcement and defense as reasons for her “no” vote on the bill that funds the government into September.

“I campaigned on a promise to my constituents: to oppose additional expansion and funding for ICE and DHS — particularly in the absence of comprehensive immigration reform,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.

She also objected to increases in Pentagon spending even above what President Biden requested.

“The dramatic increase in ICE and DHS funding … cuts against the promises our party made to immigrant communities across the country,” Ocasio-Cortez added.

The sprawling end-of-year spending bill passed the Democratic-led House by a mostly party-line 225-201 vote after winning by a wider bipartisan vote in the Senate. It now heads to Biden’s desk for his signature.

Along with Ocasio-Cortez, fellow progressive Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) voted “present,” effectively abstaining on the measure. Nine Republicans voted in favor of the bill, including several who are leaving Congress after retiring or losing reelection.

Ocasio-Cortez ticked off several provisions of the giant spending bill that she strongly supports, including funding for the National Labor Relations Board and community projects in her district spanning parts of Queens and the Bronx.

But she decried what she called “years of deeply disturbing misconduct and lack of meaningful accountability” for immigration authorities along with a lack of progress on immigration reform issues like the Dreamers, those enjoying Temporary Protective Status and “expanding paths to citizenship.”