Staff Reports
In a recent conference call, Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican congressman from California, addressed the need for a short-term continuing resolution to give the House and Senate more time to negotiate appropriation bills. As the government’s funding is set to expire on October 1, McCarthy expressed concerns about the limited time frame for the House to pass the remaining 11 appropriations bills and negotiate with the Senate before the deadline.
McCarthy 'expects' a short-term funding bill will be necessary to avoid shutdown https://t.co/BuoFYU1Taz
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 15, 2023
McCarthy acknowledged that progress has been made in passing one appropriations bill focused on military construction and veteran affairs. However, due to the tight timeline, he believes a short-term continuing resolution will be necessary to prevent a government shutdown and ensure that Republican priorities are included in the final appropriations bills.
While McCarthy emphasized the need for a true short-term continuing resolution, he also expressed his desire to avoid pushing the deadline close to the holiday season. He emphasized the importance of passing appropriations bills based on their merits and policies rather than leveraging the holiday season as a bargaining chip.
In preparation for negotiations, McCarthy has already discussed the matter with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Both leaders have agreed that their respective chambers should sit down and negotiate the differences in their appropriations bills. McCarthy specifically requested Schumer to start moving his appropriation bills to facilitate joint conferences and potentially avoid the need for a short-term continuing resolution that extends into the Christmas or holiday period.
However, this plan may face resistance from the members of the House Freedom Caucus, who have declared their opposition to a short-term continuing resolution and claimed that they are not concerned about a potential government shutdown. Despite this opposition, McCarthy remains determined to find a solution that allows Congress to govern effectively and achieve what the American people expect from their elected officials.
It’s refreshing to see Speaker McCarthy taking the initiative to tackle the funding issue head-on. Negotiating bipartisan appropriations bills can be a challenging process, but it is essential to fund essential government operations without unnecessary delays. McCarthy’s commitment to a short-term continuing resolution that does not encroach upon the holiday season demonstrates his consideration for both the government’s functioning and the well-being of the American people during festive times.
His call for negotiations with Schumer is a step in the right direction, showing a willingness to work across party lines to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. As for the House Freedom Caucus members who oppose a short-term continuing resolution, they should remember their responsibility to govern and prioritize the needs of the American people over their personal preferences. Cooperation is key to effective governance, and it’s time for all members of Congress to rally together for the greater good.
