Senate passes first procedural hurdle for stopgap spending bill as shutdown nears.
The Senate Takes First Step Towards Temporary Government Funding
The Senate passed a procedural vote on Tuesday night, signaling the first step towards temporarily funding the government through Nov. 17 and avoiding a potential shutdown. Lawmakers voted 77 to 19 in favor of proceeding with work on the legislation.
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In addition to maintaining current government funding levels, the legislation includes provisions for nearly $6 billion in aid to Ukraine, with funding allocated between the Department of Defense and State Department. The bill also includes nearly $6 billion in disaster relief.
Both Democratic and Republican senators advocated for assistance to Ukraine to be included in the temporary spending bill, particularly following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to Capitol Hill.
The legislation also extends the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization through the end of the year, preventing it from expiring simultaneously with government funding.
Senator Patty Murray, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized that this deal provides more time for the full appropriations process to unfold.
“While we continue work on annual appropriations bills to address our country’s full needs in the year ahead, this legislation prevents a shutdown, keeps our government funded, and provides critical dollars to support communities struck by disaster and support Ukraine at a pivotal moment in its defensive efforts against Putin’s brutal, unprovoked war of aggression,” Murray stated.
“The bill ensures wildland firefighters will not see a pay cut, and it prevents critical laws from lapsing to ensure the FAA and community health centers can continue operating. We have much more to do, but we should pass this legislation immediately—there is no time to waste,” she added.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell referred to the deal as a “standard short-term continuing resolution,” emphasizing that it allows for the full appropriations process to proceed.
The Senate aims to pass the bill by the end of the week and send it to the House before Saturday night to prevent a government shutdown. However, Senator Rand Paul has expressed his intention to object to any quick passage of a continuing resolution with Ukraine aid, citing concerns about borrowing money from China.
Senate leaders hope to send a strong bipartisan message to House Republicans with a decisive vote, increasing pressure on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
“The clearest path forward is a standard short-term continuing resolution,” McConnell stated. “Delaying action on short-term funding doesn’t advance the ball on any meaningful policy priorities.”
It is unlikely that McCarthy will bring the bill to the House floor for a vote, as he faces opposition from his own party members who oppose federal funding at current levels and demand significant cuts in a temporary funding deal.
How does the inclusion of disaster relief funding in the legislation benefit communities affected by natural disasters, and why is this funding necessary for their recovery and rebuilding efforts
Zed the importance of passing the temporary funding bill, stating, “This is a critical first step to keep the government open and functioning. It provides the necessary funding to keep vital services running and prevents a disruptive shutdown.”
The passage of this legislation comes as the deadline to fund the government approaches, which would result in a partial shutdown if no funding agreement is reached. This temporary funding bill allows lawmakers additional time to negotiate and reach a more comprehensive spending agreement.
In addition to funding the government, the legislation includes provisions for aid to Ukraine. This allocation of nearly $6 billion will provide much-needed assistance to Ukraine, particularly in light of recent events and President Zelensky’s visit to Capitol Hill. Both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate recognized the importance of supporting Ukraine and advocated for its inclusion in the temporary spending bill.
Disaster relief funding is also included in the legislation, with nearly $6 billion allocated for this purpose. This funding will help communities affected by natural disasters recover and rebuild, providing much-needed support during times of crisis.
Furthermore, the bill extends the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, ensuring its continued operation through the end of the year. This extension prevents a simultaneous expiration of the FAA authorization and government funding, which could have disrupted air travel and impacted the aviation industry.
The passing of this legislation reflects bipartisan cooperation and a commitment to keeping the government functioning. It is a step in the right direction to avoid a potential shutdown and provide necessary funding for crucial services. As negotiations continue, lawmakers must work together to reach a long-term spending agreement that addresses the needs of the country and ensures fiscal responsibility. The temporary funding bill provides a window of opportunity for these discussions to take place and for a more permanent solution to be reached.
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