The Senate has taken a key step to prevent a government shutdown, advancing a short-term funding bill that would extend government operations through the midterm elections. The procedural vote occurred nearly two months before the Sept. 30 deadline, when the current fiscal year expires.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., advocated for the early action, citing the need for predictability and certainty in government funding. "There's been enough uncertainty this last year, and, you know, unfortunately, I think through two government shutdowns that extended for a long period of time, it's better for everybody if there's predictability, certainty," Thune stated.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., endorsed the continuing resolution, calling it a "responsible path forward that allows continued bipartisan negotiations on a budget that delivers for American families." Schumer added, "For months, Democrats have been clear: we want to fund the government, avoid a shutdown and pass strong, bipartisan appropriations bills that improve people’s lives."
Congress has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. Two of the longest on record occurred during President Donald Trump's term. One lasted over 40 days and concerned Obamacare tax subsidies, while another extended for more than 70 days. The latter began after Democrats opposed a funding deal following an incident involving immigration enforcement agents.
Beyond the continuing resolution, the Senate has several other items on its agenda before lawmakers depart Washington. These include votes on over 70 nominees, a Russia sanctions package, and a cryptocurrency market structure package, the latter of which faces uncertainty. A final confirmation vote for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, a Trump nominee for the Department of Justice, is also pending.
"I think we have a bunch of stuff we have to finish and we’ll just stay until we finish it," Thune said regarding the remaining legislative priorities.