Efforts in Senate Intensify to Secure Interim Funding, Averting Holiday Season Government Shutdown

The Senate, advancing towards a swift decision on Wednesday, focused on an interim government funding bill to prevent a government shutdown during the holiday season. This move came a day after the House’s overwhelming bipartisan approval.

The Senate aims to defer the final budget debate to the new year, a period that will demand reconciliation of significant budgetary disagreements between the chambers. Currently, leaders from both Republican and Democratic parties in the Senate are poised to pass this temporary funding solution before the current funding deadline on Saturday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, emphasizing a smooth process, stated in a Wednesday morning address, “We’re committed to avoiding drama, delays, and a government shutdown.”

Negotiations were ongoing regarding the bill’s progression in the Senate. Republican Whip John Thune indicated an imminent vote, noting a general readiness among members to proceed.

The proposed funding bill maintains current government spending levels for approximately two more months, allowing time for a comprehensive budget plan. It sets two deadlines—January 19 for certain agencies and February 2 for others—posing a risk of partial government shutdowns.

Absent from the bill is the White House’s request for nearly $106 billion in wartime assistance for Israel and Ukraine and other aid programs. Post-Thanksgiving, lawmakers are expected to address these requests.

Schumer acknowledged the temporary nature of the bill but supported it for preventing a shutdown and excluding extreme cuts or conditions. House Speaker Mike Johnson, responsible for the bill’s conception, has expressed his refusal to endorse any further temporary funding. He anticipates a budgetary showdown with the Senate in the coming year.

Johnson, identifying as a staunch conservative, aims for deeper budget cuts and opposes last-minute, extensive funding bills, especially before December holidays. However, he faces resistance from other conservatives seeking to use a shutdown threat for major cuts and policy changes.

This divide was evident when 19 Republican House members opposed an appropriations bill, leading to an early Thanksgiving recess and highlighting internal conflicts.

The House’s disunity on funding may weaken its negotiating power with the Senate. Republicans insist on a traditional approach of 12 separate funding bills, but have faced challenges in passing them.

When Congress reconvenes, attention will turn to funding requests for Ukraine and Israel. Republican senators are pushing for immigration and border policy reforms alongside Ukraine aid. A bipartisan group in the Senate is struggling to find consensus on these issues.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, stressing the need for border policy reforms, commented on the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border under Democratic leadership.

A proposed Republican strategy links Ukraine aid to reductions in illegal border crossings, showcasing a willingness to leverage defense support for addressing border policy challenges.

While most Senate Republicans back Ukraine aid, Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) emphasized border security as a priority. Meanwhile, U.S. support for Ukraine is dwindling due to funding shortages, as indicated by National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.

Schumer anticipates Senate discussions on funding and border legislation, highlighting the necessity for bipartisan compromise.

Reporters Mary Clare Jalonick and Darlene Superville contributed to this report for Big Big News.

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More about Senate funding bill

• Senate Approves Funding Bill
• Bipartisan House Vote on Government Funding
• Deadlines Set in Temporary Funding Bill
• Exclusions in Current Spending Bill
• House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Stance
• House GOP Funding Legislation Challenges
• Congress Agenda Post-Recess
• Border Policy and Ukraine Funding Debate