Both Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have urged lawmakers to work together in order to avoid a government shutdown. This plea comes as the deadline to fund the government by the end of the month draws near.
Senator Schumer emphasized the need for bipartisanship and stated that keeping the government open should be the top priority. He expressed concerns about the negative impact a shutdown would have on all Americans and called for all sides to work together in good faith.
Senator McConnell agreed with Senator Schumer’s stance on preventing a government shutdown. He stressed the importance of addressing the nation’s pressing needs through timely appropriations and ensuring that the government remains funded.
Both senators praised the work of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led by Senator Patty Murray and Senator Susan Collins, and urged the House to follow their template.
The Senate panel has already advanced all 12 government funding bills out of committee, but they have yet to be voted on. Senator McConnell mentioned that the Senate aims to pass the first batch of these bills on the floor next week.
Meanwhile, the GOP-led House has struggled to advance spending measures, with only one out of a dozen bills voted on before their departure in July. This has likely paved the way for a short-term spending resolution to keep the government open.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will also need to address the demands of the 40-member House Freedom Caucus in order to gain their support for a continuing resolution.
Senator Schumer criticized the demands of the Freedom Caucus, stating that they have set forth a wishlist that they know cannot pass. He implored House Republicans to recognize the limited time available and stressed the need for bipartisanship to complete the appropriations process.
In conclusion, both Schumer and McConnell are calling for bipartisan cooperation to avert a government shutdown. They believe that working together is essential in order to keep the government open and address the nation’s pressing needs.
