Tommy Tuberville opposes more military aid for Ukraine
On Friday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) joined Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Congressman Chip Roy (R-Texas), and dozens of colleagues in sending a bicameral letter to the White House rejecting further U.S. funding for the war in Ukraine. “Your request cites President [Joe] Biden’s pledge that ‘we will stand with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty for as long as it takes’…” Vance, Roy, Tuberville, etc. wrote. “These statements imply an open-ended commitment to supporting the war in Ukraine of an indeterminate nature, based on a strategy that is unclear, to achieve a goal yet to be articulated to the public or the Congress.” “The American people deserve to know what their money has gone to,” Vance, Roy, and the other members of Congress wrote. “How is the counteroffensive going? Are the Ukrainians any closer to victory than they were 6 months ago? What is our strategy, and what is the president’s exit plan? What does the administration define as victory in Ukraine? What assistance has the United States provided Ukraine under Title 10? It would be an absurd abdication of congressional responsibility to grant this request without knowing the answers to these questions. For these reasons—and certainly until we receive answers to the questions above and others forthcoming—we oppose the additional expenditure for war in Ukraine included in your request.” Tuberville has long criticized the amount of support the United States has sent to Ukraine. “The war in Ukraine is a disaster for the United States,” Tuberville told Alabama Today in April. “We jumped in all four feet, knowing that we didn’t have enough munitions to help Ukraine. We don’t want to put boots on the ground. I am all for Ukraine, but you have got to have an opportunity to win, and we don’t have one person that has any insight in terms of diplomacy from this White House or this administration. Secretary [Antony] Blinken has done zero. You know, the Chinese laugh at the guy. President Biden needs to be on the phone every day to stop this. We have gotten hundreds of thousands of people killed. There is all kinds of rumors about money that has been stolen from the American taxpayer that is going over there. We don’t know.” “Five years from now, we’re going to find out that between the Clintons and a number of American private equity firms and other hyper-global corporations that, you’re going to find a lot of people have gotten rich from this, and it’s really sad and it is really despicable because of course, the Ukrainians didn’t invite the war on themselves,” Sen. Vance told Jesse Waters on Fox News. I have disagreements with their leadership but not with the people. But you can almost see the elites of Washington and New York City salivating over acquiring more power and more money for themselves on the backs of the Ukrainian war effort. Anybody who doesn’t see this for what it is, I think, is blind to the reality. It’s one of the reasons why, Jesse, we have to start asking tough questions about how long is this going to go on?” President Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine’s war effort in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week. “If we allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure? I respectfully suggest the answer is no. We have to stand up to this naked aggression today and deter other would-be aggressors tomorrow,” Biden said. “That’s why the United States, together with our allies and partners around the world, will continue to stand with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity and their freedom.” Tuberville was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt chastises Joe Biden over creating a border that is a “national security threat of epic proportion”
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) joined a group of colleagues this week at a press conference to highlight their concerns about the Biden Administration’s border policies. The Senators claim that Joe Biden’s continued denial of this national security crisis has incentivized illegal immigration and created a safe haven for terrorists. The press conference was led by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) and included Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), and Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin). “If you look back over his administration, there have been 2.3 million people that have come here (last fiscal year alone),” said Sen. Britt in the press conference. “Guys, you need to put that in perspective. Alabama is the 24th largest state in the nation, and that is about half of our population of 5 million. That was the last fiscal year alone. If you look at the total compilation to this point in his administration, we’re at about 7 million.” “To what you heard earlier from my colleagues, we’re hitting about 9,000 migrants at our border a day,” Sen. Britt continued. “At the current rate, we will hit 3 million in this next fiscal year alone. That’s over 10 million migrants who have come here illegally, across our border, during President Biden’s tenure.” “Over 844 people died at the border last year, and you all read the story about an 8-year-old drowning,” Britt continued. “As a mom, that is completely and totally gut-wrenching and unacceptable. I have talked to women who have not just told me that they were raped, but they’ve told me how many times a day they were raped at the hands of the drug cartels.” “You look at the drug cartels and what they’ve done with fentanyl in every community around this great nation,” Britt said. “Last year alone in Alabama, we had to use Narcan 15 times the first two months of our school year because of overdoses on campus. There is a mom, a dad, a brother, a sister, a cousin who is sitting around a dining room table tonight who is missing somebody because President Biden will not do his job.” “And then you look at terrorists,” said Britt. “The numbers here don’t lie guys. Look at the last administration. The last administration, in that total time span of those four years, do you know how many people we found on the wanted terrorist watch list at the border? Eight. Do you know how many people on the terrorist watch list that we have caught at the border in the [current] fiscal year alone? And we’re not finished yet. 244.” “We have a national security threat of epic proportion [on] our border; yet, at the same time, this White House is so unserious about it, that they’re actually proposing to defund ICE as a condition to continue to keep the government open beyond September 30,” Sen. Hagerty said. “If you don’t believe me, take a look at page 51 of the language that is appended to their ‘clean CR.’ On page 51, it gives them the authority to reprogram all of ICE’s funding, over $8 billion, to reprogram that and turn ICE into a resettlement agency. All of these funds can be reprogrammed to more rapidly push people into America. Instead of buying plane tickets to send people that have come here illegally—often many of them with violent criminal records—instead of buying plane tickets to send them back to their home country, ICE will now be buying plane tickets to send them to a town near you or me. This is egregious. It’s got to stop, and I’m glad that my colleagues have joined me today to bring attention to what’s happening at our southern border.” Britt has made border security a top focus during her first several months in office. Recently, she joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and 25 colleagues in introducing the Secure the Border Act. Katie Britt is the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee for the Senate Committee on Appropriations. She was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Robert Aderholt defends Auburn University after Freedom From Religion Foundation blasts school for promoting Christianity
Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) came to the defense of Auburn University after it was attacked by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) for their coaches’ participation in a recent prayer event. The Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter warning Auburn University that “Auburn University must put a stop to religion in its athletic programs, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting, after multiple coaches promoted a religious worship event where head football coach Hugh Freeze baptized a player.” “The Freedom From Religion Foundation should remember that the U.S. Constitution protects religious expression for everyone, regardless of who their employer might be,” Aderholt said on Twitter. “This event should be praised, not criticized.” The Wisconsin-based group claimed that it has “received numerous reports that Freeze, basketball coach Bruce Pearl and baseball coach Butch Thompson were involved in promoting a religious worship service to students on September 12 called “Unite Auburn.” A video promoting the event featured Thompson saying that Unite Auburn would allow students to “come together and lift the name of Jesus.” Unite Auburn “was dedicated to worship and giving messages to Auburn students seeking to grow their faith in God or who were curious about Christianity. The event’s goal was to unite the Christian community of Auburn under one roof to worship God.” The FFRF stated, “University-sponsored religious activities violate the U.S. Constitution.” Chris Line is a staff attorney for FFRF. Line wrote to Auburn University President Chris Roberts. “Auburn University is a public university, not a religious one,” Line wrote to Dr. Roberts. “It is inappropriate and unconstitutional for university employees to use their university position to organize, promote, or participate in a religious worship event. These ongoing and repeated constitutional violations at the university create a coercive environment that excludes those students who don’t subscribe to the Christian views being pushed onto players by their coaches.” The FFRF also chastised U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) for his holds on military promotions over his opposition to the Biden Administration’s use of taxpayer dollars to facilitate abortions in the military. FFRF has gone after Auburn before, most notably in 2015, when they accused Auburn and then Coach Tuberville of being “overly prayerful” and “for establishing many unconstitutional religious practices in Auburn team sports.” Specifically, FFRF cites Auburn for allowing coaches to hire team chaplains. FFRF insists that Auburn Coaches “may not lead or encourage any religious activities in their capacity as coaches and cannot participate in any student-led religious activities.” Annie Laurie Gaylor is the Co-President of FFRF. “The abuse of power displayed by these coaches shows that Auburn hasn’t changed one bit since we published our 2015 report,” said Co-President Gaylor. “As coaches, their responsibility lies in guidance on the field, not guiding these students to pews. They should start by firing the team chaplains, whose very presence signals that Auburn University has an inappropriate relationship with Christian evangelists.” The event that upset FFRF was a prayer rally that the three coaches and thousands of others attended. A number of students were baptized at the event, drawing some headlines and the ire of the FFRF. The event was not part of any sporting event and was outside the coach’s official Auburn duties. Tuscaloosa Attorney Luisa Reyes told Alabama Today, “The Freedom From Religion Foundation has it wrong. The Constitution prevents the government from establishing a religion, but it also protects the free exercise of religion, which is what the Auburn coaches were doing at this event. Their position as coaches does not mean they lose their free speech rights or right to practice their faith.” Rep. Aderholt’s wife, Caroline McDonald Aderholt, serves on the Auburn Board of Trustees. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Wetumpka man arrested for illegally killing a black bear
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is reporting that a Wetumpka man, Michael Watkins – age 32, was arrested for illegally killing a black bear in Elmore County. While some states and Canadian provinces have legal black bear hunting, the black bear is a protected species in Alabama. Although classified as a game animal in Alabama, there is no established black bear hunting season anywhere in the state, and all black bears are protected by state law due to their low population numbers. Matt Weathers is the Chief of Enforcement with the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the ADCNR “Hopefully, this arrest will send a message and deter future wildlife regulation violations related to Alabama’s black bear population,” said Weathers. “If you see a black bear, just leave it alone. We want them in Alabama.” In Alabama, just shooting at a black bear is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a potential minimum fine of $2,000. Other penalties for attempting to take a black bear include the loss of hunting and fishing license privileges for three years and possible jail time. Though historically bears roamed all of Alabama in numbers, today, there is only a very small population of resident black bears that have remained rooted in southwest Alabama, primarily in Mobile and Washington counties. In recent years, bears migrating from northwest Georgia have established a small but viable population in northeast Alabama. Bears found outside of these two small populations of nesting females are usually just wanderers roaming the countryside. ADCNR is working with other state and federal agencies to collect data on the state’s black bear population and movements. Black bears are secretive, shy animals that will avoid human interaction. Feed pets just enough food to consume in one meal and secure uneaten pet food, trash bins, and bird and other wildlife feeders to avoid attracting hungry young bears to your home. Actual face-to-face encounters with black bears are very rare in Alabama. If you do encounter a bear, WFF offers these suggestions: • Do not be frightened • Do not approach the animal • Do not run from the bear; back away slowly • Stand tall and upright and make loud noises • Avoid direct eye contact with the bear • Make sure the bear has an unobstructed direction to escape • Never purposely feed a bear WFF is encouraging the public to report black bear sightings online. Black bear sightings can also be reported to WFF district wildlife offices or by emailing Thomas Harms at thomas.harms@dcnr.alabama.gov. There are between 850,000 and 900,000 black bears in North America, but their numbers are still very limited in Alabama. Adult black bears range in size from 4.3 to 6.2 feet in length and weigh 132–661 pounds. The largest males can grow up to 6.6 feet in length and weigh 902 pounds. Males can be up to 70 percent heavier than females. If you have any information about anyone illegally killing a black bear in Alabama, call Operation Game Watch at 1-800-272-4263. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville praised by Republicans for standing up to Chuck Schumer
It has been seven months, and U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) is still refusing to give unanimous consent on almost 300 military promotions. On Wednesday, Sen. Tuberville personally tackled the growing logjam of military leaders holding positions they have been nominated to as interims by attempting to bring up the nomination for Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) responded to Tuberville’s maneuver by bringing Smith and two other generals to the floor for Senate confirmation. In February, Sen. Tuberville imposed a hold on all senior military promotions after the Pentagon implemented a taxpayer-funded abortion-related travel policy that is ostensibly illegal. Coach Tuberville’s position has not changed: either the Pentagon can reverse its controversial and likely illegal policy, or Chuck Schumer can bring these nominations to the floor individually. For the past seven months, Schumer has refused to bring the nominations to the floor despite constantly complaining about “military readiness.” Former President Donald Trump said on Truth Social, “BIG WIN FOR TOMMY. Unlike McConnell and his group of automatic Democrat YES VOTES, Tommy T is willing to take on the Radical Left Fascists & Thugs that are destroying our Country. What a difference!!” Republican Presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott said, “Listen, he was right to do what he said. The Hyde Amendment is clear. You cannot use a penny of federal dollars in support of abortion. Period. Transportation, any other way. I think it was seven or eight years ago, Hugh, I held promotions as well, because there was a move to take the Guantanamo Bay prisoners and bring them into Charleston, South Carolina. You have to be willing to take a stand. The Senate can, at some point, override you, and that’s what’s happened recently, but the truth is you only have certain weapons in your arsenal, and I must concede. Under President Biden, holding up promotions is not necessarily a bad thing. What we’ve seen in the top brass in today’s military is too much focus on ESG and DEI and gender issues, vaccine mandates as opposed to war fighting, lethality, and making sure that the resources and the equipment and the training that we need, that’s where the focus of this military should be.” Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said, “Senator Schumer just proved he could have moved these military promotions months ago. He held our servicemembers hostage for purely political reasons.” Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) said on X, “As I’ve said previously, Senator Schumer has the power to schedule votes on each of these nominees. Today’s move only confirms this has been true all along.” Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said, “Senator Schumer could have broken this logjam months ago by filing cloture like he did today on the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.” Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) said, “The military cannot be an arm of either admin’s social policy. There’s a law that says abortions will not be publicly funded and the Biden administration is circumventing that in a way that destroys credibility in the military.” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) said, “Senator Tuberville did the right thing and showed today that this was all politics by the Democrats. And they don’t care that they’re violating the law.” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said on social media, “@SecDef brought this on himself and @DeptofDefense by adopting a policy designed only to flout 10 USC 1093. […] If confirmation delays really are imperiling national security, then @SecDef should immediately suspend his abortion-travel policy, which is what it will take to get the confirmation process expedited. He can’t blame @SecDefwithout implicating himself. […] Since when is funding for abortion travel—which @DeptofDefense never funded until six months ago—essential to American national security?” Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02) said, “Schumer could have approved every military nominee by scheduling votes over the last several months, but he cared more about funding abortion travel than military readiness. Major win for Sen Tuberville!” Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) said, “Senator Tuberville has bravely and steadfastly held the line in the Senate by placing a hold on all DoD senior leader nominations until the DoD complies with federal law and ceases its abortion policies. DoD has complained this will harm national security, but DoD has the ability to stop this immediately. All they have to do is rescind this illegal policy.” Tuberville said he might bring future nominees to the floor through regular order in the Senate. Critics of Tuberville’s actions say this process is too time-consuming to be used repeatedly. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Paul DeMarco: Alabama lawmakers must ensure accountability for all transportation monies
It has now been four years since Alabama state representatives and senators raised the gasoline tax 10 cents per gallon. The tax will now go up another penny this year starting on October 1st. Tax dollars from this legislation resulted in more than $344 million for the 2022 fiscal year, which was almost $24 million than the year before. With all the tax money pouring into government coffers, it is creating disputes on how to spend it on roads in the state. From the Tennessee line to the Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of needs that must be met for those who travel on Alabama’s thoroughfares. Construction being funded by the tax is happening across the state, but the two projects that are getting the most publicity are widening I-65 and plans for a four-lane highway from Mobile to Tuscaloosa. Money has been committed to both plans to get dirt turning and asphalt laid as soon as possible. There is clearly not enough money to do both, and some legislators are questioning the funding estimates for the West Alabama corridor by the Alabama Department of Transportation. Some contracts have been delayed by Alabama lawmakers, and a request made of an accounting of how much construction money will be spent. Legitimate issues should be addressed by the Transportation Department about future statewide priorities for highway projects and where will the money come to fund what is designated as essential for the state’s infrastructure needs. When the gasoline tax bill was being debated, there was a lot of discussion about the need to replace aging bridges and deficient roadways. There were also arguments made that congestion and public safety were important reasons that made it essential to pass this legislation. With Alabama citizens paying for higher gasoline taxes, it is imperative state leaders ensure taxpayers have confidence in the transparency of the way our roads are financed, now and in the future. Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X (formerly known as Twitter) @Paul_DeMarco.
2023 could see highest number of people on food stamps since 2016
By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square (The Center Square) – The 2023 fiscal year is on track to average the highest number of individuals on food stamps in the U.S. since 2016. There were 42,329,101 on food assistance on average each month on through the first nine months of the fiscal year, as of June 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The fiscal year is completed at the end of September. That’s the most people on food assistance since the fiscal year 2016 monthly average of 44,219,363. The fiscal year 2023 overall cost of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, will be the first time in two years that emergency pandemic relief was not included the full year. Most states dropped the extra COVID-19 stipend by March 2023. In 2016, the yearly cost of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was $66.5 billion, or $84.2 billion when adjusted for inflation. Through the first three quarters of fiscal year 2023, the costs are $85.1 billion, which projects to $113.5 billion for the full year. In fiscal year 2022, the SNAP program cost almost $114 billion. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Alabama tax revenues continue upward trend
(The Center Square) — Alabama’s tax collections in August were up compared to last year, continuing a four-month streak of increased revenues. According to data from the Alabama Department of Revenue, total collections for August were up by 3.71%, growing from $1.3 billion in August 2022 to $1.35 billion this August. For the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30, total collections are up 3.48% compared to the previous fiscal year, improving from $14.57 billion to $15.07 billion. Collection of sales tax ($270 million) was up by 2.94% in August compared to the same time last year ($263 million). For the year to date, sales tax revenue is up by 4%, improving from $2.86 billion in August 2022 to $2.97 billion this past month. The state’s use tax, which is assessed on out-of-state sellers, had nearly 3% growth from the year prior. In August, the state took in $47.4 million compared to $46 million the same time last year. Revenues from the state’s personal income tax were up 3.2% compared to August 2022, with collections increasing from $673 million to $694 million. Those year-to-date collections lag behind the previous year by 3.36%; the state took in $5.33 billion compared to $5.52 billion last year. Corporate income tax revenues in August grew by nearly 49%, improving from $26.6 million last year to $39.7 million in August. For the year to date, revenues are up nearly 4%, going from $918.3 million to $954 million. One tax category that has taken a precipitous decline is the state’s 8% privilege tax and 2% production tax. Both were down by more than 60% in August compared with the same time last year, with the privilege tax revenues down 63.4% and the production tax down nearly 66%. For the year to date, the two taxes are down 21.5% and 18.8% respectively. Gasoline tax revenue was up slightly (3% increase) compared to August 2022. Alabama collected $61 million at the gas pump in August, up from last year’s $59.3 million. So far this year, gas tax revenues have grown slightly (1.06%), increasing from $627.4 million to $620.8 million. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Shutdown inches closer as U.S. House GOP fails to pass defense bill, lawmakers exit D.C.
by Jennifer Shutt, Alabama Reflector September 21, 2023 WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans were unable for a third time Thursday to begin debate on the Defense funding bill, throwing another wrench into Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s leadership tenure. The 212-216 vote that rejected the rule for the $826 billion Defense spending measure was unexpected, coming less than a day after House GOP lawmakers gathered in a room in the Capitol basement to broker a path forward. Arizona Rep. Eli Crane and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene switched their votes to oppose the rule, after voting on Tuesday to adopt it. Colorado Rep. Ken Buck and South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman both supported adoption of the rule on Thursday after opposing it earlier in the week. Other Republicans voting no included Andy Biggs of Arizona, Dan Bishop of North Carolina, and Matt Rosendale of Montana. The rule would have allowed the House to begin officially debating the bill and voting on nearly 200 amendments. The failed vote led McCarthy to reverse course on the schedule, with many lawmakers heading home for the weekend on Thursday instead of sticking around for votes throughout the weekend. McCarthy had said exactly one week ago, “When we come back, we’re not going to leave. We’re going to get this done.” The update to the House schedule sent around Thursday afternoon said ”ample notice will be given ahead of any potential votes tomorrow or this weekend.” The stalemate and change of plans does not bode well for efforts to approve the short-term spending bill that’s needed to stave off a partial government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. McCarthy has yet to unify his members amid deep disagreements about how much the federal government should spend and what policy restrictions should be included in full-year bills as well as the stopgap measure. The ongoing dispute has ground the House chamber to a halt as McCarthy searches for a way to unify his razor-thin majority without turning to Democrats to pass a bipartisan bill. Arkansas Republican Rep. Steve Womack, a senior appropriator, said Thursday that his fellow lawmakers need to accept the Senate will re-work any partisan bills the House sends over. “Remember, this is all going to go to the Senate, so people don’t need to get real hot and bothered over where we are today,” Womack said. “It’s going to be based on what comes back and whether or not it can get to the floor.” Discussions among House Republicans, he said, are likely to become “heated” once the Senate re-works a short-term spending bill and sends it back to the House for a final approval vote. Infighting and political differences within the House Republican Conference have so far prevented GOP lawmakers from reaching agreement on their opening offer on a short-term spending bill, which is also called a continuing resolution or CR. Defense spending bill falters Before the Thursday vote, McCarthy had been somewhat optimistic the House could finally approve the rule and begin debate on the full-year Defense spending measure. Greene wrote on X that she switched her vote “because they refused to take the war money for Ukraine out and put it in a separate bill.” The rule approved 184 amendments for floor debate and votes, including one from Florida’s Matt Gaetz that would have prohibited “security assistance for Ukraine.” Crane wrote on X on Thursday that he believes votes “on CRs, omnibus bills and raising the debt ceiling should never take place.” “I’m going to do whatever I can to change the way this place works,” he wrote. Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole, chair of the Rules Committee, switched his vote on Thursday to a no vote after voting yes a few minutes earlier. The procedural maneuver allows him to bring the rule back up for a vote at a later time. The whip count error appeared to be a surprise for Defense Appropriations Chair Ken Calvert, a California Republican; ranking member Betty McCollum, a Minnesota Democrat; and staff — all of whom were seated at the tables on the House floor ready to lead debate on the measure. The Republican table held thick white binders as well as a large accordion folder, all filled with paperwork, and the Democratic table was stacked with paperwork as well. It’s highly unlikely that staff would have brought all the materials needed to debate the bill and amendments if they knew the rule vote was going to fail. ‘At least a short-term shutdown’ In addition to strong disagreement among House Republicans about the full-year spending bills, the House GOP Conference has yet to solidify a plan to pass the short-term stopgap spending bill that’s needed to hold off a funding lapse. Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson, chair of the Interior-Environment spending subcommittee, said he expects there will be “at least a short-term shutdown” as the House and Senate try to reach agreement on a short-term spending bill. “That’s a lot of work to do in a very short time,” Simpson said. House Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry, a Pennsylvania Republican, said Thursday that he hasn’t seen details on any new short-term spending bills that might come to the floor. “I haven’t seen the language of any additional CR,” he said. Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, the top Republican on the Commerce-Justice-Science spending panel, said he’s “hoping the House chaos is set aside.” “I keep saying I’m not voting for another CR again, but I keep voting for them because the outcome is worse with a shutdown,” Moran said. “But this just needs to be resolved in the House. I don’t think there’s a problem in the Senate that would cause a shutdown.” Any short-term spending bill will have to be bipartisan in order to get through the Democratically controlled Senate, where at least 60 votes are needed to limit debate on legislation. That could take more time than lawmakers have before Oct. 1, he said. “Nothing about this is conducive to getting
