House to Vote on Short-Term Spending Bill to Avert a Shutdown
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives is set to vote on a short-term spending bill that would avert a government shutdown at the end of the week. The bill, known as a continuing resolution, would keep the government funded through February 18th, giving lawmakers more time to negotiate a longer-term spending package.
The need for a short-term funding bill comes as Congress has been unable to pass a full-year spending package for the current fiscal year, which began on October 1st. Lawmakers have been at an impasse over a number of key issues, including funding for President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda, as well as how to address the debt ceiling.
If Congress fails to pass a funding bill by Friday, the government will shut down, forcing hundreds of thousands of federal employees to go without pay and disrupting critical services. The last government shutdown occurred in 2018 and lasted for 35 days, causing significant economic harm and public outrage.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has urged her fellow Democrats to support the short-term funding bill, arguing that it is necessary to prevent a government shutdown and allow more time for negotiations on a longer-term spending package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has also expressed support for the bill, but it remains unclear if it will pass both chambers of Congress.
Many Republicans have criticized the short-term funding bill, arguing that it does not address the underlying issues that have led to the current impasse. They have called for a more comprehensive spending package that includes funding for border security and other priorities.
As the clock ticks down to Friday’s deadline, lawmakers are under pressure to reach a compromise and avert a government shutdown. The outcome of Tuesday’s vote in the House will be a key indicator of whether Congress can come together to keep the government running and address the pressing issues facing the nation.