The Senate voted 87 to 11 on Wednesday for legislation that would keep the government funded to the middle of January, avoiding a devastating government shutdown ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. U.S. Senator Katie Britt voted for the package.
The passage of the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) spearheaded by new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) keeps the government funded at current levels, putting off addressing out-of-control federal spending or the border situation until next year.
Only 10 Republicans and one Democrat, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), opposed the legislation.
“Today, I joined my Senate colleagues in passing a commonsense Continuing Resolution that will prevent a Christmas season omnibus and ensure our men and women in uniform continue to be paid,” said Sen. Britt on X.
“This measure, which was drafted by House Republicans, will ensure that Americans don’t see an interruption in critical government services – and our troops, border patrol agents, ICE officers, and Capitol Police will continue to be paid,” Britt continued. “Growing up outside the gates of Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass, I saw firsthand the tremendous sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and the sacrifice made by their families. Those who give so much in service to our nation should not have to spend Thanksgiving being worried about whether or not their next paycheck will be here or their Christmas season wondering how they’ll put presents under the tree. This Continuing Resolution gives Congress the time to keep working to move all 12 appropriations bills in a transparent, accountable, and responsible manner. Let’s do our job and complete the critical work on behalf of the American people.”
Senate and House conservatives pledged to do everything possible to avoid considering another omnibus spending package right before Christmas and New Year’s, which has become a Washington tradition.
An amendment by U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) that would have decreased government spending across the board by one percent was rejected in a 32 to 65 vote.
Johnson’s CR passed the House with bipartisan support 336 to 95: 209 Democrats and 127 Republicans voting yes. Ninety-three Republicans and two Democrats voted no.
The legislation would fund military construction, the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and energy and water programs until January 19. It funds all other programs, including the Department of Defense and many non-defense social programs, until February 2. It also extends the current Farm Bill through September. It does not provide the President’s requested emergency funding for the war in Ukraine, support for Israel, or enhanced border funding.
“I have good news for the American people. This Friday night, there will be no government shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). “I am pleased that Speaker Johnson realized he needed Democratic votes to avoid a shutdown. If the Speaker is willing to work with Democrats and resist the siren song of the hard right in the House, then we can avoid shutdowns in the future.”
The President has indicated that he will sign the bipartisan measure.
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