WASHINGTON, D.C. – After last Fall’s record-breaking government shutdown, Congress is trying to work quickly to keep the government funding past the midterms. The House and Senate proposals have some key differences.
Over the weekend the Senate Appropriations Chair and Ranking Member released the text of the continuing resolution, or CR. It would keep the government funded through mid-December. Government funding ends at the end of September. If Congress doesn’t act, there would be another government shutdown.
The CR passed an initial test on Monday with only four ‘no’ votes. The measure generally funds the federal government at current levels.
“The CR gives us the maneuvering room we need to hash out a budget that makes life more affordable for the American people and reigns in the Trump administration’s chaos and corruption,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY).
The House passed their version of the CR but the Senate’s version includes some notable differences, like language that would prevent the administration from transferring funds from other programs to Border Patrol.
Democrats said it also blocks a White House budget office proposed rule that would allow Trump officials to cancel grants at any time for any reason. Democrats said the proposed rule would’ve systematically politicize federal funding.
Last Fall there was a record 43-day shutdown. It caused financial stress for federal workers and caused chaos at airports. Pennsylvania’s Senators John Fetterman (D- PA) and Dave McCormick (R- PA) said the short-term funding extension would avoid a government shutdown ahead of the midterm elections.
“He and I have always been on the same page; we never want to shut down the government no matter which party is in charge,” said Sen. McCormick.
“Precisely,” added Sen. Fetterman. “I mean, shutting our government down is a loser. We don’t care what party is behind it but in this case we all agree it’s a loser for the American people.”
