Senate Advances Funding Bill to End Government Shutdown
Overview of the Vote Series
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has initiated a series of eight votes on the Senate floor to expedite the progress of a funding bill aimed at ending the government shutdown by the end of the night. This legislative move requires the bill to return to the House for final approval. The votes will include procedural motions, amendments to the legislation incorporating full-year appropriations bills, and a revised end date for the stopgap funding measure.
In addition, Thune has scheduled a vote on an amendment from Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, which seeks to remove specific language regarding hemp regulation in the agriculture funding bill. Various Senators, including Patty Murray (D-WA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), are set to deliver speeches during the voting session, with Baldwin planning to force a vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for a year.
Voting Timeline
The Senate is expected to commence voting around 5 p.m. The process will involve several procedural votes ahead of the final passage, with Republicans aiming to see the bill approved the same evening. A GOP aide has indicated that while Democrats agreed to streamline the voting process, they will still maintain control over the timing of the votes.
Reactions from Lawmakers
Calls for Leadership Change
Representative Ro Khanna of California has publicly criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, calling for his replacement due to dissatisfaction with his handling of the negotiations to end the shutdown. Khanna emphasized that Schumer’s approval was crucial for the recent bipartisan agreement, claiming he is no longer in touch with the party’s base.
Republican Response
Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached to speed up the funding bill’s passage. Rounds mentistartd the urgency of concluding this matter, noting the hardships many federal employees face without a paycheck. There have been discussions surrounding the potential introduction of amendments, which might extend the process beyond the desired timeline.
Addressing Layoff Concerns
Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma revealed that the White House proposed language in the new continuing resolution intended to reverse layoffs enacted during the shutdown and prevent further job cuts through January. Mullin stated this provision helped garner bipartisan support among Senators.
Internal Party Dynamics
The decision by eight Democratic Senators to support the funding bill has sparked significant backlash within the party, particularly among progressive members. Critics such as Governor Gavin Newsom of California and Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut have denounced the agreement for lacking substantial concessions on critical issues such as healthcare tax credits. The discord among Democrats highlights underlying divisions that could affect their strategy leading into upcoming primaries.
Support for Leadership
In contrast to the calls for Schumer’s resignation, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries defended Schumer’s leadership, asserting that the majority of Senate Democrats have fought valiantly. Jeffries underscored the importance of accountability regarding healthcare issues, which he believes will shift back to the House.
Future Outlook
Thune anticipates the funding bill’s final passage within hours rather than days, urging colleagues to facilitate a quick resolution. The resolution must clear several procedural hurdles before it can proceed to the House for approval and subsequently receive the President’s signature. Thune noted the need for a bipartisan approach to address healthcare affordability once the government is reopened.
Following the Senate’s progress, House leaders are preparing for potential votes related to the funding measures later this week, as members are being called back to Washington, D.C., to expedite the process.
As the situation continues to evolve, updates will be provided as necessary.