On Tuesday evening, the Senate unveiled a crucial deal that stands as perhaps the last opportunity to prevent a government shutdown.
This comprehensive 79-page bill, if approved, would effectively maintain the government's operations until November 17th. Additionally, it allocates approximately $6 billion for the ongoing war effort in Ukraine, along with another $6 billion designated for disaster relief initiatives in locations such as Maui and Florida.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, expressing his support for the bill, remarked, "It will continue to fund the government at present levels while maintaining our commitment to Ukraine's security and humanitarian needs while also ensuring those impacted by natural disasters across the country begin to get the resources they need."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also endorsed the agreement, characterizing it as a "standard, responsible step forward."
The supplemental funding for Ukraine is bifurcated into around $4.5 billion for direct assistance and an additional $1.65 billion earmarked for State Department aid. The allocation for disaster relief endeavors aims to replenish the FEMA disaster relief fund, which has been dwindling in the face of a slew of natural calamities.
Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate voiced concerns, stating, "5,000 [FEMA] employees will be put at risk in what they call lapse of funding if the government shuts down," underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Moreover, the bill encompasses smaller provisions, including a short-term reauthorization of the FAA, which is also set to expire in the coming weekend.
Nevertheless, there are obstacles to navigate. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) swiftly pledged to impede the progression of this deal, casting doubt on whether it can pass the Senate before the imminent government shutdown deadline.
"I don’t support the CR," added Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), though it remained uncertain whether he would actively participate in delaying the bill beyond the shutdown threshold.
While the agreement is poised to eventually secure Senate approval with broad bipartisan backing, a unanimous consensus among all 100 senators is essential to expedite the final vote. Failing such concurrence, proceedings will be postponed until after the shutdown deadline.
The destiny of the bill also hangs in the balance in the House of Representatives. House Republicans have struggled to rally around their own proposal, and divisions persist despite bipartisan overtures. Some far-right Republicans have even pledged to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy if he allows a vote on a bipartisan bill. However, the announcement of a Senate deal increases the pressure on him to act.
The inclusion of funds for Ukraine is likely to intensify opposition from certain Republicans who are averse to additional aid for the war effort. Several Republicans have indicated their opposition to the measure, advocating instead for a plan centered around border security measures.
In the backdrop of a weekend marked by negotiations involving both Democrats and Republicans, Schumer emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "I urge reasonable and patriotic members of both chambers [to] move forward, freed from the extremist partisans hell-bent on destroying faith in government."
The initiative to extend government operations until November 17th is intended to provide more time for negotiations on a comprehensive spending agreement that Congress must pass before the year's end.
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