House approves 45-day continuing resolution, sends bill to Senate before shutdown.
In a Last-Ditch Effort, House Passes Clean Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Funded
In a race against time, the House of Representatives has taken a bold step to prevent a government shutdown. By passing a clean continuing resolution, they have secured funding for the government at current spending levels for the next 45 days. This crucial legislation was advanced less than 10 hours before the looming shutdown deadline.
The vote on the continuing resolution was a resounding 335-91, surpassing the necessary two-thirds majority threshold. This victory paves the way for the legislation to be sent to the Senate for consideration. If approved by the upper chamber, the final decision and signature will rest in the hands of President Joe Biden.
How Will a Government Shutdown Affect National Parks?
While the majority of Democrats supported the continuing resolution, more than 90 Republicans voted against it. Notably, only one Democrat, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), opposed the measure. The resolution includes President Biden’s $16 billion supplemental request for disaster relief and funds the government for 45 days at fiscal year 2023 levels.
The plan for the continuing resolution was unveiled by House Republican leaders during a closed-door conference meeting. This 45-day stopgap measure, which maintains current spending levels and includes disaster funding, was presented for a vote on suspension. This meant that at least two-thirds of the House needed to support the bill for it to pass.
Just moments before the vote, Democrats expressed their opposition to the 71-page resolution, citing its sudden introduction. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, “Our members are of the view that nothing that Republicans have said this year is trustworthy. Nothing. So the notion that we’re supposed to go to the floor based on the Republicans’ word that this is a clean continuing resolution when they’ve lied every single step of the way.”
However, in a surprising turn of events, Democrats ultimately rallied behind the deal, contributing to its successful passage.
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Recognizing the urgency of the situation, GOP leaders pushed for a swift vote on the floor to preempt Senate Democrats’ plans for their own bipartisan resolution. The Senate vote, scheduled for later in the afternoon, aims to fund the government at current fiscal levels and allocate $6 billion in aid to Ukraine through the Defense Department and the State Department. Additionally, there is nearly $6 billion earmarked for disaster relief.
However, Senate Republicans have since announced their decision to no longer support the bipartisan CR, indicating that the House deal will now be taken up in the chamber.
What are the potential consequences of a government shutdown on the national parks system and the tourism industry?
It. Their opposition stemmed from concerns about government spending and the need for budgetary restraint. However, the urgency of the situation and the potential consequences of a government shutdown overrode these concerns for the majority of lawmakers.
One area that would be particularly affected by a government shutdown is the national parks system. During a shutdown, national parks would be closed to visitors, resulting in lost revenue for surrounding communities and devastating consequences for the tourism industry. In addition, the maintenance and upkeep of national parks would be put on hold, potentially leading to long-term damage to these cherished natural resources.
This is not the first time that the threat of a government shutdown has loomed. In recent years, we have seen this political stalemate all too often, with both parties using the budget process as a bargaining chip to push their own agendas. However, the consequences of a shutdown are far-reaching and impact the lives of millions of Americans.
The passing of the clean continuing resolution by the House is a step in the right direction to prevent a shutdown and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the government. It provides a temporary solution while lawmakers continue to negotiate and work towards a long-term budget agreement.
The ongoing discussions around government funding highlight the need for greater bipartisan cooperation and compromise. It is essential that lawmakers put aside partisan differences and prioritize the well-being of the nation and its citizens. The passing of the continuing resolution shows that when faced with a critical deadline, lawmakers can come together and act in the best interest of the country.
As the clean continuing resolution progresses to the Senate for consideration, it is crucial that senators recognize the urgency and importance of passing this legislation. Any delay or obstruction in the Senate could have disastrous consequences for the government and the American people.
In conclusion, the House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards preventing a government shutdown by passing a clean continuing resolution. This demonstrates the willingness of lawmakers to put aside partisan differences and prioritize the functioning of the government. As the resolution moves to the Senate, it is imperative that senators act swiftly and responsibly to approve the legislation and ensure the continued functioning of the government. The consequences of a shutdown are too severe to be taken lightly, and the American people are counting on their elected officials to find a solution that benefits all.
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