Tag: government shutdown

Threat of Government Shutdown Looms as Spending Battle Heats Up in House

The word “shutdown” has been bandied about Capitol Hill as the standoff over raising the nation’s debt ceiling has morphed into an appropriations battle in the House between hardline Republicans and Democrats. An outline for 2024 federal spending was hammered out in negotiations between Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and President Joe Biden, culminating in the…


Predictable Yearly Debt Ceiling Shenanigans Should Be a Reminder of Fiscal Responsibility

Commentary The current federal debt ceiling impasse is similar to a yearly ritual in our nation’s capital. The GOP-led House recently passed a bill that would raise the ceiling but would call for nearly $5 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade. It’s a given that this bill won’t pass muster in the Democratic-led…


Capitol Report: Vaccine Mandate for Members of the Military Repealed; $1.7 Trillion Government Spending Bill Passed

Military vaccine mandates are now to be repealed. President Joe Biden signed the annual defense funding bill. What does it say, and why do some Republicans say it’s not enough? It costs nearly $2 trillion to avert a government shutdown this year. The House sent the bill to the White House Friday afternoon. There are…


Millions for Gender, Equity, Climate Projects Included in the Omnibus Bill

While the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package that the Senate passed Thursday has been heralded by some Democrats and Republicans as a victory, others have begun sounding the alarm over what exactly is included in the 4,155-page bill. In a series of tweets Thursday, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) slammed the bill’s inclusion of funding for…


US Senate Advances $1.66 Trillion Government-Funding Bill

A $1.66 trillion government spending bill drew overwhelming bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday as lawmakers steered it toward passage before a weekend deadline to avoid a partial shutdown of federal agencies. Democratic and Republican negotiators agreed early Tuesday morning on the sweeping bill to fund the federal government through the end of…


Congress Unveils Sweeping ‘Omnibus’ Funding Bill With $1.7 Trillion Price Tag

Lawmakers have at long last unveiled the legislative text of the huge $1.7 trillion “omnibus” government funding bill for all of fiscal year 2023, with apparent wins for both parties like boosting non-defense discretionary spending, while keeping restrictions on funding abortions. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released the bill (pdf) late Monday, urging…


Capitol Report: Rep. Jordan Says White House Colluded With Big Tech; CCP to Be Investigated for Bioweapons Threat

Rep. Jim Jordan, likely soon to be the next chair of the House Judiciary Committee, is demanding documentation from five tech giants. Jordan says the five major companies colluded with the Biden administration to censor voices. A government shutdown has been averted, and now Congress is on track to pass a spending bill next week….


House Lawmakers Approve Stopgap Spending Bill, Averting Government Shutdown

Congressional lawmakers voted to approve a short-term funding bill on Wednesday night that will last through Dec. 23, averting a partial government shutdown. The one-week extension resolution (pdf) passed in a 224–201 vote and will now head to the Senate to be considered. It will then be sent to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed before midnight on Friday to…


Stopgap Spending Bill Approved by House, Heads to Senate

Congressional lawmakers voted to approve a short-term funding bill on Wednesday night that will last through Dec. 23, taking a step toward averting a partial government shutdown. The one-week extension resolution (pdf) passed in a 224–201 vote and will now head to the Senate to be considered. It will then be sent to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed…


Capitol Report: Laptop of Murdered DNC Staffer Seth Rich Called Into Question; Richmond State Capitol Removes Statue

The FBI now says it has more records on Seth Rich—the Democratic National Committee staffer who was mysteriously gunned down in 2016—but refuses to release them. A government shutdown looms yet again as lawmakers rush to solidify a deal on funding levels for 2023. Some say negotiations are hopeful. Others warn of a dangerous last-minute sprint….