Congress on track to fund government, avoid shutdown

Members of Congress in both chambers believe they are on track to pass a government funding bill and avoid a shutdown Friday at midnight. The package just passed the Senate, 72-25, and is now headed to the House 

“The last thing the American people [need] right now is a pointless government shutdown. I’m optimistic we are on track to avoiding one well before the deadline,” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said.

House Democratic Leadership said they expect a relatively smooth process because Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., has been participating in negotiations with the Senate.

“We are prepared to act, as soon as the Senate acts,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, N.Y., said.

The Continuing Resolution (CR) largely funds the government at its current levels, but there are a few key additions. There will be $12.3 billion for Ukraine to provide equipment, training, weapons, logistics support, and financial support for their government. Financial support for the war received strong bipartisan approval.

“It’s crystal clear that American assistance has gone a long way to helping the Ukrainian people resist Putin’s evil, vicious aggression,” Sen. Schumer said. 

“Assisting Ukraine is not some feel good symbolic gesture, it’s literally an investment in our own national security and that of our allies,” Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., echoed.

But to ensure all that money for Ukraine is going exactly where it’s intended, the Inspector General will receive $2 million to put together a comprehensive list of all the articles and services provided to Ukraine, and to monitor their end use.

The CR will also provide $18.8 billion for the FEMA disaster relief fund. That will pay for the response to a number of natural disasters including Hurricane Ian. In addition, Jackson, Mississippi will receive $20 million for water and waste water infrastructure improvements.

The package also includes a 5-year reauthorization of FDA user fees that are paid by drug companies and used to fund the review process for new medicines.

This continuing resolution will fund the government through Dec. 16, at which time Congress hopes to pass an omnibus package for all of next year.