Schumer tees up funding fight with Johnson as government shutdown looms
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Takes First Step in Battle to Fund Government
Schumer, the Democratic Senator from New York, has initiated a crucial move to secure funding for the government beyond November 17. He has set the stage for a vote on a short-term measure early next week by filing cloture on H.R. 815, a bill passed by the House that will serve as the foundation for a continuing resolution. While the details of the resolution remain undisclosed, it is anticipated to be a “clean” CR that will provide funding until early December.
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This approach puts Schumer at odds with Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, who aims to avoid the intense pressure of a December funding deadline as members prepare for the holiday recess. Johnson prefers an extension until January, allowing both chambers to work through their remaining appropriations bills. However, Johnson’s proposal of a “laddered” CR, which would fund some agencies until January and others until February, is being criticized by Senate appropriators as overly complex.
If Johnson decides to include provisions such as aid for Israel, which Schumer wants to incorporate into a larger Ukraine supplemental, the bill will face even greater challenges. Johnson is expected to reveal his stopgap plan by Saturday, with a floor vote scheduled for no earlier than Tuesday.
While Schumer has been cautious not to draw red lines in this upcoming battle, he did caution Johnson against passing a House bill that solely garners Republican votes. Schumer emphasized the importance of bipartisan support, stating, “Passing a bill just with one party and sending it over is not going to be a very good way to move things forward.”
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on the other hand, has been more direct in his stance. He declared a clean bill as the “only way forward” and dismissed the “ladder” approach as a “nonstarter.” This puts Johnson in a similar position to his predecessor, who, faced with significant demands from the right, opted to pass a clean stopgap bill last month that garnered Democratic support.
Both Schumer and Johnson face their own challenges in navigating this process. The Senate operates by unanimous consent, meaning any member can slow down consideration of the continuing resolution. However, they cannot prevent its passage, and it is unlikely that institutionalist members of the Republican Party will risk a government shutdown.
With just nine Republicans needed to side with Democrats, the fate of Schumer’s stopgap bill hangs in the balance.
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How have members from both parties reacted to Schumer’s move to fund the government?
Ion of funding until early January to provide a smoother transition into the new year. However, Schumer’s decision to push for a shorter-term resolution reflects the urgency he feels in addressing the pressing issues that require immediate attention.
The move has garnered both support and criticism from members of both parties. Democrats applaud Schumer’s proactive stance in funding the government and preventing a potential shutdown, while Republicans accuse him of playing politics and causing unnecessary disruptions. As the battle to fund the government intensifies, it is likely that intense debate and negotiations will ensue between the two parties.
The push for funding is not only driven by the need to avoid a government shutdown but also the urgency to address a range of critical issues. Immigration reform, infrastructure investment, and healthcare legislation are just a few of the key issues that require substantial funding to make tangible progress. By securing funding before the end of the year, Schumer hopes to pave the way for meaningful legislation and avoid any setbacks that a funding impasse may cause.
This battle to fund the government is not the first and will certainly not be the last. In recent years, partisan divisions and ideological differences have often resulted in last-minute funding agreements or even government shutdowns. Such events not only disrupt the functioning of the government but also create uncertainty and unease among the American public.
With the upcoming vote on the short-term measure, all eyes will be on the Senate and its members to see whether they can reach a consensus and avoid a potential funding crisis. The responsibility falls on Schumer, as Senate Majority Leader, to effectively communicate the urgency of the situation and rally support from fellow Democrats and even across the aisle.
Beyond the immediate battle to fund the government, this episode highlights the broader challenges of governing in a deeply divided political landscape. Both Republicans and Democrats must find common ground to address the pressing issues facing the nation. Compromise and collaboration are essential in moving the country forward, and it is imperative for leaders like Schumer to foster an environment of bipartisan cooperation.
As the vote looms, the fate of government funding hangs in the balance. The outcome will not only shape the immediate future but will also set the tone for future budget negotiations and policymaking. The hopes and expectations of the American public rest on the shoulders of their elected leaders to come together and find a solution that serves the best interests of the nation.
Only time will tell whether Schumer’s first step in the battle to fund the government will lead to a successful resolution. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the course of action, and it is vital for all stakeholders to approach the issue with a sense of urgency, responsibility, and a commitment to the greater good.
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