Staff Reports
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has expressed his reservations about the Senate stopgap bill recently unveiled. Following a conference meeting with House Republicans, McCarthy made it clear that he does not believe there is sufficient support for this bill. This hesitation is driven by the significant differences between the Senate and House proposals.
The Senate stopgap bill, supported by a majority of Senators, notably includes $6 billion in Ukraine funding, $6 billion in disaster funding, and maintains spending levels at this fiscal year's rates until November 17th. In contrast, the House has been advocating for strict spending cuts and the passage of border legislation.
McCarthy, known for his conservative Republican principles, desires a stopgap bill that not only reduces overall spending but also incorporates the House's Secure the Border Act and the establishment of a debt commission. Some House Republicans share McCarthy's perspective and have labeled the Senate stopgap bill as a nonstarter.
Senate stopgap bill stopping in the House, says Kevin McCarthyhttps://t.co/nIcuNgb91U pic.twitter.com/2birx92iqA
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 28, 2023
However, there are House Republicans who prioritize preventing a government shutdown over pushing for their ideal bill. Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska, for instance, has indicated his willingness to support the Senate stopgap bill if it means avoiding a government shutdown. Nevertheless, he also recognizes the importance of seizing the opportunity to bolster border security.
In summary, the House and Senate are engaged in a tug-of-war over the stopgap bill, each pushing for their respective priorities. It is hoped that they can find common ground before the looming deadline to fund the government arrives on Saturday. While political drama can be entertaining, a government shutdown is a scenario that most would like to avoid, as it could have consequences for various sectors and individuals.
