Politics: Lawmakers Reach Agreement to Extend Time and Prevent Government Shutdown
TL/DR –
Congressional negotiators have reached a deal to temporarily prevent an impending government shutdown by funding governmental departments including Agriculture, Justice, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development until March 8. The remaining agencies will have their funding voted on and enacted before March 22, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson. The White House has expressed satisfaction with the deal, which provides more time for the drafting and review of bipartisan appropriations bills.
Congress Temporarily Prevents Government Shutdown
On Wednesday, Congressional negotiators struck a deal to temporarily fend off an impending government shutdown. A consensus has been reached on funding methods for several departments including Agriculture, Justice, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development until March 8.
While funding for the remaining agencies will be “finalised, voted on, and enacted before March 22,” according to House Speaker Mike Johnson. In a joint statement released on Wednesday, leaders from both sides of the aisle like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, among others, agreed on the necessity of bipartisan cooperation to fund the government.
Continuing Resolution Needed for Adequate Preparation
To permit adequate time for Appropriations Committee of both House and Senate to work on technicalities like drafting, preparing report language, scoring and others, a short-term continuing resolution is considered necessary. Members will be given 72 hours to review before the resolution is put to vote this week.
Both the House and Senate are expected to pass the stopgap spending deal to prevent a partial government shutdown set to begin on Saturday.
Continued Negotiations Despite Potential Deal
Despite a potential deal, lawmakers have their task set out. Johnson may face opposition from Republicans who are unhappy over the government’s spending. The White House, however, appeared satisfied with the agreement.
In a statement, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated the deal “would help prevent a needless shutdown while providing more time to work on bipartisan appropriations bills.” The agreement came a day after lawmakers met with President Joe Biden to discuss the spending deal.
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