House rejects stopgap spending measure, increasing likelihood of weekend shutdown.
The House Rejects Stopgap Spending Measure, Raising Concerns of Government Shutdown
The House of Representatives has dealt a significant blow to GOP leadership by voting against a temporary spending measure that would have funded the government for 31 days. This rejection leaves the lower chamber without a viable proposal to begin negotiations with the Senate, with less than 48 hours remaining before federal funding is set to lapse.
The $1.471 trillion legislation fell short of the majority vote needed to send it to the Senate, with lawmakers voting 198-232 in favor of advancing the bill. This failure increases the likelihood that Congress will not reach an agreement on spending legislation just two days before a potential government shutdown.
Government Shutdown: What Will Be Open and What Will Be Closed
The measure faced opposition from 21 Republicans who joined forces with all Democrats in voting against it. Several hard-line conservatives had previously stated their intention to reject any temporary legislation and only support single-subject spending bills. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has been particularly vocal, even threatening to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as GOP leader if he advanced a stopgap measure.
Surprisingly, some of these same lawmakers voted to advance the rule for the bill earlier in the day, allowing for debate and progress towards final passage. However, many hard-line conservatives remained unconvinced about the legislation itself.
When asked why he advanced the rule, Gaetz responded, “So he can vote against the CR.”
Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN) explained, “I let the rule slide. I’ll let them vote, people can vote on it up or down.”
The continuing resolution is essentially the same as the one proposed last week, but with the addition of a fiscal commission to address the nation’s debt. The Department of Homeland Security is not affected by the spending cuts.
This resolution would result in a more than 29% cut in spending over the next month, excluding the Department of Defense, Veteran Affairs, and DHS from these reductions.
The legislation also includes H.R. 2, the House’s border security bill, which passed earlier this year. However, it does not include E-Verify, a provision that rural Republicans opposed. Additionally, it establishes a fiscal commission to examine the nation’s debt.
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) believes that the failed vote should serve as a signal to GOP leadership that they must pursue a bipartisan agreement to avoid or end a government shutdown. He noted that a handful of Republicans are considering working with Democrats to achieve this.
“At the end of the day, we have to get to 218 in the Congress. Not necessarily the [GOP] conference, but the Congress,” Fitzpatrick emphasized. “We have a number of us – hopefully we get some more - that are willing to discharge or take another option to ultimately get something that’s a two-party solution to the floor.”
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It is currently unclear when the House will reconvene to reconsider another stopgap measure. Members have been advised to keep their schedules flexible as votes are likely to take place over the weekend. House Republicans will hold a conference meeting at 4 p.m. to discuss the next steps.
Meanwhile, the Senate is preparing to vote on a stopgap spending measure negotiated between Republicans and Democrats over the weekend. This proposal includes disaster funding and Ukrainian aid, but some Republicans believe it will be “dead on arrival” in the House. Federal funding is set to lapse at midnight on Sunday.
How can lawmakers come together and find a bipartisan solution to prevent a government shutdown while addressing the needs of the American people
Additional funding for a program to assist farmers affected by natural disasters. This inclusion was meant to garner support from lawmakers who have been advocating for aid to the agricultural sector. However, it seems that the provision was not enough to sway the votes of those who oppose stopgap measures.
The rejection of the spending measure has raised concerns about the possibility of a government shutdown. Without a new funding agreement in place by the deadline, many government agencies and services will be forced to cease operations. This will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the American people, as well as the overall functioning of the government.
During a government shutdown, essential services such as national security and public safety will continue to operate, but many federal employees will be furloughed or forced to work without pay. This will have a detrimental effect on the livelihoods of these workers and their families. Additionally, government contractors and businesses that rely on federal funding will also be severely affected.
Moreover, a government shutdown will erode public trust in the government’s ability to effectively govern and carry out its responsibilities. It will further exacerbate the political divide and hinder the progress of important legislative and policy initiatives.
In light of these consequences, it is crucial for Congress to come together and find a bipartisan solution to prevent a government shutdown. While it is understandable that lawmakers have different priorities and concerns, the well-being of the American people should always be the top priority.
Compromises must be made, and both sides should be willing to negotiate in good faith. It is essential to find common ground and reach a sustainable funding agreement that addresses the needs of the nation. This will require cooperation, open dialogue, and a willingness to put aside partisan differences for the greater good.
Time is of the essence, as the deadline for funding is swiftly approaching. The House of Representatives and the Senate must work together to swiftly craft a new spending measure that can garner sufficient support from both parties. This measure should not only provide funding to keep the government operational but also address the pressing issues and concerns of the American people.
In conclusion, the rejection of the temporary spending measure by the House of Representatives raises concerns about a potential government shutdown. The American people deserve a government that can effectively carry out its duties and responsibilities without interruption. It is crucial for lawmakers to put aside their differences and work towards a solution that ensures the stability and functionality of the government while addressing the needs of the nation. The clock is ticking, and immediate action is required to avoid the adverse consequences of a government shutdown.
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