- Senate leaders have reached a bipartisan short-term funding deal that would keep the government funded through December 11 and avoid a shutdown during campaign season.
- An initial procedural vote is set for Monday night, with Senate leaders aiming to pass the bill before the August recess.
- Senators on the Appropriations Committee agreed on Sunday to a funding bill that prevents a government shutdown at the end of September.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed hope that a funding deal would be reached in time for a Senate vote this week.
- The short-term funding bill includes necessary adjustments for various programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
- This funding extension is necessary as Congress has struggled to negotiate the annual appropriations bills before the September 30 deadline.
- Senate leaders are acting earlier than usual, as Congress typically waits until the final days of a funding deadline to pass short-term funding extensions.
Senate leaders unveiled a bipartisan short-term funding bill on Sunday, aiming to prevent a government shutdown as the midterm elections approach. "This measure gives Congress the time we need to continue our work on bipartisan appropriations bills," said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).6
The bill, which funds the government through December 11, includes provisions to block changes to the grant-approving process proposed by the Trump administration.12
"This short-term funding bill blocks a corrupt policy that would allow Trump to hold even more federal grants hostage," stated Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.).
The Senate is expected to vote on the measure before the August recess, a departure from the usual last-minute negotiations.
"We need to ensure that they do not face a third shutdown," said Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), referencing the two recent record-breaking shutdowns.5
The bill also addresses funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children and the Disaster Relief Fund.
"Democrats remain committed to funding negotiations that help hardworking Americans get ahead," Schumer added, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation.
The agreement reflects a rare proactive approach by Congress, allowing lawmakers to negotiate full-year funding in the coming months.
“The stopgap bill funds agencies at current levels through Dec. 11 and blocks a White House rule requiring political appointees to review grants, a priority for Sen. Patty Murray and Chair Susan Collins. It also bars transfers to Border Patrol from other programs, with Thune citing two record shutdowns in 10 months.”
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