The GOP is also targeting the back-to-back spending increases contained in the stimulus and omnibus bills, though one key Democrat has proudly publicized it.

"This [omnibus] bill works in harmony with the economic recovery package, making investments that address the country’s immediate needs while investing in our long term economic strength," states a press release issued on Monday by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey (D-WI).

Indeed, both the stimulus and omnibus packages provide billions of dollars in additional funding above last year's levels for various programs, including energy conservation and renewable energy initiatives.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) cited the overlapping spending hikes as cause for concern.

"The Democrats are asking taxpayers to pay for over 100 accounts... in the omnibus bill that are also in the stimulus bill," McConnell told reporters during today's press stakeout. The Senate GOP leader argued that the omnibus bill's eight percent boost in overall spending compared to last year is "way too big," and hinted that his caucus will offer floor amendments to trim the package. 

"Back in January, I suggested to the Democratic leadership that we take up the omnibus appropriation bill first," McConnell said. "And I did that because I wanted to make sure that we were not engaged in duplicate spending when we finally went to the stimulus. Regretfully, we decided to do it in reverse order."

Meanwhile, Democrats are taking aim at some of President Bush's priority projects in the omnibus, including a $1.35 billion cut to Bush's funding request for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and a phase-out of D.C.'s school choice program.