Topline
Senate Republicans and Democrats put forward a bill Tuesday afternoon that would fund the government through November 17 with the hope of avoiding a government shutdown, but the bill will likely face challenges if it makes it to the House as far-right Republicans have said they won’t support anything that doesn’t meet their demands.
The Senate presented a stopgap bill that includes nearly $6 billion in funding for the Ukraine war … [+]
Key Facts
The bill—which would give about $6 billion to efforts in the Ukraine war and $6 billion to disaster relief stateside—is set to go to senators for a vote Tuesday evening.
The bill does not include any funding to address the border, Politico reported—which some House Republicans will likely take issue with.
If the bill passes the Senate and is sent to the House, there is no guarantee House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) would bring it forward for a vote as it likely wouldn’t have the support it needs to pass and some representatives have threatened to call for his removal if he brings it; the House has not presented its own stopgap bill, though.
The legislation would also extend the Federal Aviation Administration’s programs and authority to operate through the end of the year; it is currently set to expire on September 30.
Crucial Quote
“Senate Democrats and Republicans, together, worked in good faith to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution that will keep the government open beyond Sept. 30,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on the House floor, the Hill reported.
What To Watch For
If the bill passes the Senate and, if it does, whether McCarthy will move it to a vote in the House.
Key Background
To avoid a government shutdown at the end of September, Congress must pass a dozen annual appropriations bills, or approve a continuing resolution—like the one put forth by the Senate—that would extend the current budget and continue funding until lawmakers reach an agreement. But some House Republicans threatened to vote against a short-term funding bill unless leadership caves to their demands, including not giving any more aid to Ukraine, implementing the Secure the Border Act of 2023 and addressing the “unprecedented weaponization of the Justice Department and FBI.” Because Republicans only have a slight majority in the House, losing the votes of the members of the House Freedom Caucus could cause a shutdown. McCarthy attempted to move forward a continuing resolution last week, but it was opposed by hard-right Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and other Republicans he rallied. Republicans in the upper chamber have criticized the House members for the stalled negotiations, and are now putting pressure on McCarthy by presenting a stopgap measure.
Further Reading
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2023/09/26/government-shutdown-nears-senate-puts-forth-stopgap-spending-plan-that-includes-ukraine-aid-and-disaster-relief/