House approves 45-day funding bill, sends to Senate before shutdown deadline.
The House of Representatives has approved a stopgap funding bill that will prevent a government shutdown at midnight tonight, pending approval from the Senate and President Joe Biden.
The bill, which extends federal funding at the current rate for 45 days, includes provisions for disaster relief and FAA funding. However, it does not allocate additional funds for the war effort in Ukraine, a point of contention for some Democrats and Republicans.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) expressed concern over the rushed nature of the 70-page continuing resolution (CR), which was presented just minutes before the proposed vote and hours before a potential government shutdown.
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Despite the time constraints, 209 Democrats, including Mr. Jeffries, supported the bill, resulting in a final tally of 335-91 in favor.
Republicans argued that the bill was a fair attempt to keep the government running smoothly beyond the fiscal year deadline. However, 90 Republicans opposed the bill, a significant increase from the previous day when only 21 Republicans joined Democrats in defeating a more conservative CR proposed by Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
House Minority Leader McCarthy acknowledged that the passed CR was not his preferred solution but emphasized the importance of keeping the government open and supporting the military.
While tensions remain within the Republican party, the focus now shifts to the Senate, where their own version of the CR will be voted on. This bill proposes extending funding at current levels through Nov. 17, with additional funding allocated for the war effort in Ukraine and domestic disaster relief.
Many House Republicans expressed frustration over the failure of the previous GOP-proposed CR, which included spending cuts and border security enhancements. Some Republicans believed that passing any CR would lead to further delays in creating a full-year spending plan.
Despite the setbacks, Mr. Jeffries celebrated the passage of the 45-day CR as a victory for the American people and a defeat for right-wing extremists.
“That is what the spending agreement that passed the House today has accomplished.”
Moves to Senate
The onus now shifts to the Senate to either accept the House’s terms or pass its own bill and attempt to reconcile differences in cooperation with the House.
The House bill comes after weeks of infighting among House Republicans over spending levels and the appropriations process. An original Republican CR was presented on Sept. 17 but faced opposition from fiscal conservatives.
Despite the challenges, Mr. McCarthy retains the support of most House Republicans, making it unlikely that he will be removed as House speaker.
As the Senate prepares to vote on the CR, the fate of government funding hangs in the balance.
Ryusuke Abe and Emel Akan contributed to this report.
Why are Republican senators opposing the stopgap funding bill and citing concerns over the lack of funding for the war effort in Ukraine?
In McCarthy (R-Calif.).
The bill now awaits approval from the Senate, where it is expected to face more resistance. Several Republican senators have expressed their opposition to the bill, citing concerns over the lack of funding for the war effort in Ukraine. They argue that it is crucial for the United States to provide support to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Meanwhile, Democrats have emphasized the importance of passing the stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown. They argue that the bill provides much-needed funding for disaster relief and FAA operations, which are vital for the safety and well-being of the American people.
The prospect of a government shutdown has raised significant concerns about its impact on the US economy and financial markets. A potential shutdown would lead to the temporary closure of federal agencies and disrupt key services. It could also have a negative impact on investor confidence and slow down economic growth.
The Senate reconvened earlier today to discuss the stopgap funding bill. Senators from both parties engaged in heated debate over its contents and the need for additional funding for Ukraine. The bill’s fate now rests in the hands of the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.
If the Senate approves the bill, it will then be sent to President Joe Biden for his signature. President Biden has expressed his support for the bill and his intention to sign it into law. However, the situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how long the process will take.
As the midnight deadline approaches, lawmakers are under pressure to find a solution and prevent a government shutdown. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching consequences for the American people and the functioning of the federal government.
Overall, the approval of the stopgap funding bill by the House of Representatives is a step towards averting a government shutdown. The bill’s provisions for disaster relief and FAA funding address critical needs, but the exclusion of funding for the war effort in Ukraine remains a point of contention. The Senate’s decision on the bill will determine its fate and whether a government shutdown can be avoided. The coming hours and days will be crucial in determining the path forward for the federal government and the American people.
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