Key senators have unveiled a short-term spending bill that would fund federal agencies past the midterm elections and into early December, aiming to prevent a government shutdown during the height of campaign season.
The Senate plans to vote on the measure before its traditional August recess. The bill generally extends current funding levels through December 11. A similar measure has passed the House, but negotiations are ongoing regarding exceptions sought by the White House.
Among the exceptions not included in the bill was the administration's request for $1 billion to construct battleships. Democrats also successfully included language that would prevent the administration from reallocating funds to the Border Patrol from other programs.
This early action on a funding extension is unusual, as Congress typically waits until the final days before a deadline to pass such measures. The fiscal year ends on September 30, and lawmakers are acting two months prior to avoid a shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized that passing the measure was a top priority before the August recess, citing two record-breaking government shutdowns in the past 10 months. "We need to ensure that they do not face a third," Thune stated.
A short-term extension allows Congress more time to negotiate the twelve annual appropriations bills. However, disagreements persist, with Republicans seeking increased defense spending and cuts to non-defense programs. President Trump's budget proposed a 10% cut in non-defense spending and a 44% increase in defense spending.
Both parties are keen to avoid a shutdown before the elections, as polling indicated that neither party was fully absolved of blame for a previous 43-day shutdown. Earlier funding battles involved Democrats' efforts to extend an expiring health insurance tax credit and their refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security without changes to immigration enforcement operations.
Separately, Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Senator Patty Murray are working to block a proposed rule from the Trump administration concerning grants. The rule would require senior political appointees to review grant proposals based on criteria including "ensuring that discretionary awards advance the President's policy priorities." Collins and Murray stated the rule would not be implemented while the stopgap spending bill is in effect. Collins advocated for significant changes to the rule, citing concerns about politicization and harm to rural communities and research. Democrats, led by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, have called the rule a "disgraceful" effort that would "further politicize all federal grants."