Senate Nears Shutdown Solution
The Senate Moves Closer to Extending Government Funding and Avoiding Shutdown
The Senate took a significant step on September 28 towards passing a resolution that would extend government funding through November 17, effectively sidestepping a potential government shutdown. In a bipartisan vote of 76-22, members agreed to open debate on H.R. 3935, a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, which Senate leadership hopes to attach the stopgap funding measure to.
The proposed continuing resolution, unveiled on September 26, not only extends government funding at current levels but also allocates an additional $6.1 billion for Ukraine and $6 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund.
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“As I’ve said for months, Congress has only one option—one option—to avoid a shutdown: bipartisanship. It was true yesterday; it is true today,” emphasized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on the Senate floor prior to the procedural vote. He stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation in responsibly funding the government and preventing unnecessary harm to the American people and the economy.
September 30 marks the deadline for Congress to either pass a budget for fiscal year 2024 or extend funding while negotiations continue. Failure to do so would result in the federal government ceasing all nonessential operations on October 1.
Even if the Senate’s solution passes, it still requires approval from the House before it can be signed into law. However, given the volatility within the House GOP and the limited time available to avert a shutdown, the likelihood of obtaining that approval is uncertain.
Addressing the situation on September 28, Schumer accused House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) of prioritizing the views of a few hard-right extremists over the majority, thereby increasing the chances of a shutdown. He stated, “Despite the fact that many on both sides want to work together, despite the fact that here in the Senate we’re pursuing bipartisanship, the speaker has chosen to elevate the whims and desires of a handful of hard-right extremists and has nothing to show for it.”
Nevertheless, Schumer proceeded with his own plan, filing cloture on the substitute amendment following the vote. Meanwhile, in the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called on the Republican leadership to align with the Senate’s proposal.
“We have a simple request of the Republicans in the House,” said Jeffries during his weekly press conference. “When a bipartisan continuing resolution comes over from the Senate today, tomorrow, this weekend, put the bill on the floor for an up or down vote so we can end this MAGA Republican nightmare. And if you don’t, you own this government shutdown.”
Jeffries made these remarks as his Republican colleagues in the House held the first impeachment hearing since launching the inquiry into President Joe Biden earlier in the month. He criticized their focus on an “illegitimate impeachment inquiry” instead of addressing the needs of the American people.
While a partisan funding extension has been proposed by a group of House Republicans, it lacks sufficient support to pass. Additionally, many House Republicans have expressed objections to the Senate’s proposal, demanding concessions on border security and the removal of funding for Ukraine.
House Speaker McCarthy, constrained by hardliners in his conference, has shifted the chamber’s attention towards advancing spending bills. However, progress on that front has proven challenging. A House vote on a continuing resolution is expected to take place on September 29.
In the event of a shutdown, millions of federal employees would face furloughs, while military members would be required to work without pay. Disruptions would also impact air travel and certain safety-net services.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
How can lawmakers find a solution that appeases the most extreme elements of their conference and avoids a government shutdown?
Hosen the path of appeasing the most extreme elements of his conference, pushing us closer to a government shutdown.”
In response, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy accused Schumer of playing politics and stated that Republicans are committed to keeping the government funded and avoiding a shutdown. He emphasized the need for bipartisan negotiation and compromise to reach a resolution.
The potential government shutdown has raised concerns among various sectors, including federal workers, businesses, and the general public. In the event of a shutdown, federal employees would be furloughed or forced to work without pay until funding is restored. Essential services such as national security, law enforcement, and public health would continue to operate, but many government operations would come to a halt.
The continuing resolution proposed by the Senate aims to provide temporary funding to bridge the gap and allow more time for negotiations on a longer-term budget. However, with the October 1 deadline looming, there is limited time for both chambers of Congress to reach a consensus and avoid a shutdown.
The ongoing political tensions within both the House and Senate further complicate the situation. In addition to the disagreements between the two parties, there are divisions within each party that may hinder the passage of any funding measures. This could potentially lead to a stalemate and further jeopardize the functioning of the government.
As the Senate moves closer to extending government funding, the pressure is on both chambers of Congress to come to a swift resolution. It is crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the American people and the stability of the country’s economy. Bipartisan cooperation and compromise are essential in order to prevent unnecessary harm and uncertainty.
The potential consequences of a government shutdown are far-reaching and could have significant impacts on various aspects of society. It is imperative for Congress to act responsibly and prioritize the well-being of the nation. The coming days will undoubtedly be critical as lawmakers work to find a viable solution and avoid a government shutdown that could have lasting repercussions.
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