Over the weekend, Congressional lawmakers released the details of the first six budget bills required to fund government agencies and avoid a partial government shutdown that could occur this coming weekend. This appropriations package, consisting of 1,050 pages, covers funding for six major areas of government, including military and veterans affairs departments, agriculture, commerce, energy and water, transportation, housing, and more. The funding for these departments was set to expire last Friday, March 1, but an agreement was reached by congressional leaders to extend the deadlines by one week, preventing a partial government shutdown. This marks the fourth extension this fiscal year due to Congress’s struggle to agree on a long-term budget plan.
The partial budget deal reached is considered a significant advancement in the effort to secure a permanent budget plan for the remaining fiscal year, which started on October 1. However, the release of these six funding bills only marks half of the process, with the other six appropriations bills needed to fund the rest of the government set to expire on March 22. This leaves Capitol Hill with just over two weeks to negotiate the remaining portion of the government’s spending plan.
Winning Points for Democrats
Following the release of the funding package, Democrats are celebrating several victories, such as the continued full funding of a special food assistance program for women, infants, and children. Additionally, they were successful in securing wins related to rent assistance and pay for infrastructure employees like air traffic controllers and railway inspectors. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the efforts made by Democrats to protect housing and nutrition programs while preventing harmful provisions from restricting women’s access to health care or hindering the fight against climate change.
Republican Achievements
On the other side, Republicans are highlighting successes on veterans’ gun ownership and funding cuts to government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised House Republicans for securing conservative policy victories, opposing left-wing proposals, and implementing significant cuts to agencies and programs aligned with President Biden’s agenda.
The funding package is now expected to proceed to the House for a vote, where it is anticipated to face opposition from the House Freedom Caucus, a group of Republican hard-liners who have consistently resisted budget compromises throughout the fiscal year. With the deadline for government funding looming this Friday, there is urgency for the House to swiftly pass the bipartisan package and send it to the Senate for approval.
The release of the first six budget bills represents progress in the ongoing efforts to fund government agencies and avoid a partial shutdown. While Democrats and Republicans are both claiming victories, there are still challenges ahead as the negotiations continue for the remaining half of the government’s spending plan. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the final outcome and whether a long-term budget plan can be established for the remainder of the fiscal year.
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