Late Wednesday night, the Senate reached a bipartisan agreement to hasten the voting process for a temporary funding patch, aiming to prevent a partial government shutdown slated for Saturday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the vote on the funding measure, along with three Republican amendments and a manager’s amendment, would take place at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
Accelerated Timeline to Thwart Shutdown
The agreement’s timeline seeks to swiftly move the stopgap funding patch through the Senate, enabling its passage in the House as early as Thursday night. This expedited process is crucial, given the looming deadline and the potential disruption caused by an impending snowstorm in Washington, D.C., affecting lawmakers’ travel plans.
Schumer emphasized that the stopgap measure “will give Congress time to continue working on the appropriations process to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year.” The Senate leader expressed hope that the House would promptly take up the bill with bipartisan support before the Friday deadline.
Averting Shutdown and Extending Funding
Once the Senate approves the funding extension, it is anticipated that the House will swiftly clear it for President Joe Biden’s signature. This strategic move would extend government funding deadlines into March, averting a partial government shutdown set to impact crucial departments such as Agriculture, Transportation, Veterans’ Affairs, Energy, and more.
The proposed measure, termed a continuing resolution, is likely to undergo the House process under suspension. This mechanism requires a two-thirds majority vote to send the bill to President Biden’s desk. Speaker Mike Johnson faces the challenge of garnering substantial support from Democrats to navigate the stopgap through the House, especially amid increasing pressure from the right flank over spending concerns.
Schumer’s Optimism and Urgency
Schumer conveyed optimism about the collaborative effort, stating earlier on Wednesday that “Speaker Johnson has said he wants to get this done. I think he has the support of the majority of the House, and I think we’ll get it done quickly.” The urgency surrounding the funding patch reflects a bipartisan commitment to avoiding a government shutdown and maintaining essential services.
COMMENTS