As the Senate approaches a funding deadline, Democratic leaders are balancing frustration with the need to avert a government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated that the Democrats will support a continuing resolution (CR) that extends government funding through September, despite its unpalatable provisions. The legislation reduces non-defense spending while increasing military expenses, highlighting the ongoing reliance on short-term funding measures due to Congress's failure to finalize annual appropriations. This CR represents the third temporary funding measure for the current fiscal year, necessitating bipartisan support to secure passage and prevent a lapse in government services.
"While the CR still is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse," Schumer said.
The legislation would fund the federal government through the end of September. It would trim non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increase defense spending by about $6 billion.
Congress has been unable to pass the annual appropriations bills designed to fund the government, so they've resorted to passing short-term extensions instead.
A procedural vote Friday will provide a first test of whether the package has the 60 votes needed to advance, ahead of final voting likely later in the day.
Collection
[
|
...
]