Senate rejects bill to prevent government shutdowns.
Legislation to Prevent Government Shutdowns Rejected by Senate
The U.S. Senate rejected legislation on Oct. 25 aimed at preventing future government shutdowns as it focused on an appropriations “minibus.” The “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act” proposed automatic extensions of government funding for 14 days, with additional extensions as needed, if Congress fails to pass a budget on time. The bill also required members of Congress to stay in Washington until a budget is passed, prioritizing spending bills.
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“If we don’t finish our classwork, we have to stay after class. That’s all it is,” said Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who introduced the measure as an amendment to the proposed minibus. The bill aimed to ensure that the government continues to operate at the previous year’s funding levels while Congress focuses on passing a budget. Despite bipartisan support, the measure fell short of the required 60 votes to pass.
Other amendments approved by the Senate for the minibus included barring the use of federal funds for COVID-19 mask mandates on publicly funded transportation and protecting veterans’ rights by requiring a supporting order from a judge before reporting them as mentally impaired.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) defended his amendment, highlighting the need to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights. The amendment passed, albeit with a slim majority.
Moving Forward
Senate leadership has been working to advance the spending bills as a combined package. After facing initial obstacles, a bipartisan agreement was reached to consider approximately 40 amendments to the package. The deal aims to demonstrate U.S. leadership and the ability to work together in a divided Congress. By passing this package, Congress can continue the appropriations process and avoid resorting to unpopular omnibus bills.
Congress has 23 days left to pass a budget and avoid a government shutdown. With a House speaker in place, the pressure is on for both chambers to pass the necessary legislation before the deadline.
Lawrence Wilson contributed to this report.
What were the main components of the “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act” that was recently rejected by the U.S. Senate?
Government Shutdown Looms as Congress Struggles to Reach Budget Deal
10/5/2023
Senate Passes Appropriation Bill to Avert Government Shutdown for Now
10/2/2023
Introduction
The U.S. Senate recently rejected legislation aimed at preventing future government shutdowns. The “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act” proposed measures such as automatic extensions of government funding and requiring members of Congress to stay in Washington until a budget is passed. This rejection comes as the Senate focuses on an appropriations bill, further highlighting the challenges faced in preventing future government shutdowns.
Rejection of the “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act”
On October 25, the U.S. Senate rejected legislation aimed at preventing future government shutdowns. The “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act” was proposed as a solution to the recurring issue of government shutdowns, which can have significant negative impacts on the economy and the functioning of government agencies.
The main components of the act included automatic extensions of government funding for 14 days if Congress fails to pass a budget on time, with additional extensions as needed. Additionally, the act required members of Congress to stay in Washington until a budget is passed, prioritizing spending bills over other legislative matters.
The rejection of this legislation raises concerns about the ability of the government to effectively prevent shutdowns in the future. Without such legislation in place, the risk of future shutdowns remains, with potential consequences for government operations and the American people.
Focus on the “Minibus” Appropriations Bill
At the time of the rejection, the U.S. Senate was focusing on an appropriations “minibus.” This bill, which combines several spending measures, aims to fund various government agencies and programs. The attention given to the minibus highlights the immediate priorities of the Senate and its commitment to addressing specific funding needs.
While the focus on the minibus is understandable, it is crucial not to overlook the importance of preventing government shutdowns. These shutdowns can disrupt government functions, impact the economy, and create instability. By rejecting the “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act,” the Senate missed an opportunity to address this issue and provide a framework for future budget negotiations.
Related Stories
The rejection of the legislation comes in the context of recent news stories related to government shutdowns:
-
Democrat Senator ’Willing’ to Force Government Shutdown If Ukraine Aid Is Kept Off Budget Deal
Published on 10/6/2023
-
Government Shutdown Looms as Congress Struggles to Reach Budget Deal
Published on 10/5/2023
-
Senate Passes Appropriation Bill to Avert Government Shutdown for Now
Published on 10/2/2023
Conclusion
The rejection of the “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act” by the U.S. Senate raises concerns about the ability to prevent future government shutdowns. The proposed measures aimed to provide automatic extensions of government funding and ensure members of Congress remain in Washington until a budget is passed. With the Senate focusing on appropriations and other immediate priorities, the issue of preventing shutdowns must not be overlooked. Government shutdowns can have severe consequences, and it is crucial to have proactive measures in place to prevent them in the future.
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