In a stop-gap measure, the House has passed a temporary funding bill for the federal government that will temporarily prevent a shutdown. But the bill now goes to the Senate for voting. The measure will only extend funding for 3 weeks. During that time lawmakers will negotiate a long-term inclusive spending package.
This short-term funding bill will keep the government funded till March 11 hopefully gaining sufficient time to negotiate the funding in the Senate.
The bill was passed 272-162 by lawmakers and was released by Rosa DeLauro, the Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee.
The bill moves now to the Senate. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, has said that he proposes to move on the funding bill swiftly to meet the deadline, which is February 18.
Funding Bill Will Give Enough Time To Negotiate A Long Term Bill
The funding bill averted the shutdown that was imminent on that date as the preceding short-term funding bill expires. DeLauro said that the new temporary solution is necessary to buy enough time for the negotiators to arrive at a comprehensive deal on the funding bill. It should keep the federal government funded through September at least.
DeLauro said on the floor that American citizens deserve the assurance and certainty associated with a spending bill lasting the full year.
Steny Hoyer, the Majority Leader of the House, said that he was optimistic that the two parties got closer towards an agreement on the bill, or the omnibus, and it should be on the Senate floor soon.
DeLauro said that America deserves a bill that will lead to better jobs, opportunities for the poor and middle class to grow, and help protect the nation. The Connecticut Democrat further said that the two parties were close to arriving at a framework agreement on government funding, and more time would be necessary to complete the legislation. She said that the quick fix funding bill will help keep the government running even as Congress goes ahead with the permanent bill.
