Avoiding a Government Shutdown: The Importance of Bipartisanship
A federal government shutdown loomed ahead as House Republicans made it clear that they would not support the Senate’s bipartisan plan to fund the government beyond the weekend deadline. The Senate had passed a bill to continue funding at current levels into mid-November, which also included provisions for U.S. aid to Ukraine and natural disaster relief.
However, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy swiftly rejected the Senate bill in its current form. In private meetings, McCarthy floated the idea of stripping the bill of provisions that the House GOP opposes, adding a House-passed border security bill, and sending it back to the Senate. House Republicans also suggested passing a 30-day short-term spending bill that includes border security as a sign of defiance towards the Senate.
The Imminent Threat of a Shutdown
With the chambers working against each other, it appears almost certain that a government shutdown will occur unless lawmakers can find another solution. Time is running out to pass a stopgap spending bill before the current funding laws expire. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer stressed the importance of bipartisanship in avoiding a shutdown, calling on Speaker McCarthy to work in a bipartisan way to prevent harm to millions of Americans.
In Search of a Resolution
Despite their differences, both Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged the need to keep the government open to address critical issues. McConnell argued that a vote against a short-term funding measure would hinder necessary work on border security and drug enforcement. Meanwhile, the House focused on debating legislation that would cover parts of the government for the entire 2024 fiscal year.
The Lingering Deadline
Both the Senate and the House are unable to complete their work before the funding deadline. Without an extension, a government shutdown would ensue, impacting federal agencies, military members, government employees, antipoverty programs, and disaster victims. The Senate’s short-term bill, supported by Republicans and Democrats alike, would extend federal government funding until mid-November and provide emergency assistance for Ukraine and domestic disaster relief.
Proposed Solutions
If the House considers a temporary extension, it would include an 8% spending cut for most federal agencies, excluding the Departments of Defense and Veteran’s Affairs. This bill would also incorporate a border security measure that House Republicans previously passed. Representative Ralph Norman emphasized the importance of addressing national security and economic concerns at the border.
Read More of this Story at www.washingtonpost.com – 2023-09-27 18:18:51
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