$410 billion omnibus spending bill signed into law; some pundits are screaming ‘pork’

A $410 billion omnibus spending bill was signed into law yesterday, but some critics say it includes billions of dollars in pork.

The bill will fund most Cabinet departments and some other federal agencies for 2009. It passed the Senate in a voice vote 62-35.

The Los Angeles Times reports that White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that the president will sign the bill despite questions about spending priorities. The administration considers it old business that should have been resolved before he took office.

Here’s a quick look at the bill’s timeline.

2/23/2009 Introduced in House
2/25/2009 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 245 – 178 (Roll no. 86).
3/10/2009 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
3/10/2009 Cleared for White House.
3/11/2009 Presented to President.
3/11/2009 Signed by President.
3/11/2009 Became Public Law No: 111-008

 For the Library of Congress tracking of the bill, click here.