House’s Stance on Senate’s Funding Proposal
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy declared on Wednesday that the Senate’s proposed continuing resolution, aimed at government funding, probably won’t find traction in the House. This makes the prospect of a shutdown increasingly probable.
McCarthy’s Doubts
Speaking to the media, McCarthy remarked, “I don’t see the support in the House” with regards to the Senate’s proposal.
Senate’s Stopgap Measure
On Tuesday, the Senate introduced a temporary funding proposal, agreed upon by both parties, which would ensure government funding until Nov. 17. Alongside reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration as initially endorsed by the House, this proposal includes a substantial aid package for Ukraine and provisions for natural disasters.
Schumer’s Critique of McCarthy’s Stance
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his displeasure with McCarthy’s position. He accused McCarthy of being influenced by “MAGA radicals” and emphasized that the bipartisan interim measure stands as the singular viable solution to avert a shutdown.
House Republicans Seek Border Security Assurance
Several House Republicans have expressed their desire for the White House and Democrats to present a revamped plan regarding border security. On this note, McCarthy conveyed his inability to back any continuing resolution in the absence of border security measures. Furthermore, assistance to Ukraine remains a contentious point for a faction of conservative Republicans.
Good Speaks on the Senate’s Continuing Resolution
Rep. Bob Good of Virginia, affiliated with the House Freedom Caucus, informed the media on Wednesday about McCarthy’s decision to dismiss the Senate’s proposed continuing resolution (CR). This sentiment was echoed by other Republican representatives.
GOP Rep. Johnson’s Perspective
GOP Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota shared, “The sentiment is clear: the Senate’s CR doesn’t seem to have any traction among the Republican conference.”
McConnell and White House’s Support for the Senate’s Measure
Both Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the White House have signaled their support for the Senate’s temporary funding measure. McConnell highlighted the option to either fund the government for an additional six weeks at its existing operational rate or face a government shutdown without any policy advancements. He also emphasized the potential negative repercussions on border security staff in the event of a shutdown.
McCarthy’s Plan Moving Forward
McCarthy reiterated his intention for the House to review a continuing resolution by Friday, before the crucial Saturday night deadline for sanctioning new funding. Failing this, the government faces a shutdown while the House deliberates on full-year appropriations bills. McCarthy’s proposal includes border security measures and omits Ukraine funding, raising concerns about the Senate’s approach.
McCarthy’s Delicate Position
With only a slim Republican majority in the House and Democrats opposing significant spending reductions, McCarthy is in a tight spot. He can’t afford more than four dissenting votes for any bill to pass. The backing of the Senate’s Republican leadership for the interim measure poses a challenge for McCarthy, potentially requiring Democratic backing – a move which might upset the far-right factions within his party.
House’s Move to Placate Hardline Republicans
Seeking to win over the more stringent Republican members, the House green-lighted four bills on Tuesday, funding several departments for another year. However, even if these bills gain approval in the House, their prospects in the Senate seem bleak.
Impending Government Shutdown
Should both chambers fail to green-light a funding bill by the end of Saturday, the government will shut down, leaving numerous federal workers without pay and halting non-essential federal services.
President Biden’s Call to Action
On Wednesday, President Biden emphasized the need for the Republicans in the House to step up. “It’s imperative that they fund the government,” he asserted.
