Lawmakers are set to push through a short-term funding bill to keep the government running until December 20. With bipartisan support, but some conservative opposition, the bill is expected to face a vote mid-week. The focus remains on avoiding a shutdown as the November elections loom.
Lawmakers Return with Short-Term Funding Bill on Agenda
As Congress resumes its final session before the November elections, lawmakers are prioritizing a short-term government funding bill to prevent a shutdown. The proposed measure would fund the federal government until December 20, 2024.
House Rules Committee Set to Debate Funding Measure
On Monday, the House Rules Committee will meet to prepare the 49-page funding proposal for floor debate. The bipartisan compromise was introduced by House Republicans on Sunday and is expected to face a vote later in the week.
Conservative Opposition to Short-Term Funding
Some conservative members of Congress, including Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), and Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), may push back against the measure. Last week, 14 conservative members opposed a six-month funding patch that included a GOP-backed provision requiring proof of citizenship to vote, a proposal supported by former President Donald Trump.
Bipartisan Support and Likely Outcome
Despite some opposition, congressional Democrats indicated on Sunday they would support the short-term funding bill. This bipartisan support will likely help push the measure through in the Republican-controlled House.
Senate Majority Leader’s Perspective
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed frustration that this agreement could have been reached earlier but remained hopeful that work on the continuing resolution would be completed before the September 30 deadline. The urgency is heightened as lawmakers are eager to return to the campaign trail ahead of Election Day.
Senate’s Business: Tax Court Judge Vote
Aside from the funding bill, the Senate will take a vote on a U.S. Tax Court judge on Monday at 5:30 p.m., while the House is set to process more than three dozen bills under suspension of the rules, allowing for expedited passage of certain legislation.
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