One which combines different topics, thereby affording an opportunity for “log-rolling.”
1842. These articles were caught in the omnibus, or drag-net section, which is placed in the rear of the bill.—Mr. Benton of Missouri, U.S. Senate, July 5: Cong. Globe, p. 661, App.
1850. I am opposed to all omnibus bills, and all amalgamation projects.—Mr. Winthrop of Mass., House of Repr., May 8: id., p. 524, App.
1850. The hon. Senator says this is an omnibus bill, and that there are three passengers on board legitimately. The first is California, then the Territories, and then the Texas boundary question. The omnibus is in motion.—Mr. Foote of Mississippi, U.S. Senate, June 18: id., p. 913, App.
1850. I do not desire to see this omnibus coopered up again.—Mr. Boyd of Kentucky, House of Repr., Aug. 29: id., p. 1697.
1850. The civil and diplomatic appropriation bill has been made an “omnibus” ever since I have been in Congress.—Mr. Underwood of Kentucky, U.S. Senate, Sept. 19: id., p. 1380, App.
1850. The phrase is frequently used in the debate in the Senate on the Compromise Bill, July 22–31: id., 1407–8, &c., App.
1857. and later. See N.E.D.
