As the government faces a looming shutdown, Senate Democrats and some Republicans are pushing back against the House’s six-month funding bill, instead floating a 30-day stopgap to buy time for negotiations. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, confirmed Wednesday that the Senate will not support the House’s version of the bill, which includes drastic spending cuts while raising the debt ceiling.
With the government set to run out of funding at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Senate Democrats met for a caucus lunch to debate their options. Amending the House bill would require additional time—time they don’t have. The House has already adjourned for a two-week recess, meaning any changes would require lawmakers to return.
More: Trump Suggests He Ordered Arrest of Columbia Student Over Protest, Calls for Mass Deportations
More: MSNBC’s Wallace Slams Press Secretary Over False Tariff Claims in Briefing
Meanwhile, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) voiced opposition to the House proposal, particularly its plan to raise the debt ceiling by $4 trillion. However, Paul introduced an amendment that would test Senate support for former President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, managed by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Trump established DOGE by executive order, tasking Musk with slashing government programs, grants, and agencies under the promise of saving taxpayers trillions. The initiative has drawn backlash from citizens outraged over cuts that have impacted public services.
Paul’s amendment aims to incorporate DOGE’s cuts into foreign aid spending. “[Secretary of State Marco] Rubio has stopped 83% of foreign aid grants. In doing so, that would save 83% of our foreign aid grant money,” Paul explained. “So, we’re taking what he has already done and incorporating it into a dollar figure to put into the spending… I commend Secretary Rubio for doing it.
Now all we need to do is codify that into law.” Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) indicated that Senate negotiators are close to reaching a deal, arguing that a 30-day continuing resolution would allow time to finalize a bipartisan agreement. “The way to make it better is to do a 30-day,” Kaine said, noting concerns raised during an Armed Services Committee hearing that uncertainty over funding hinders military readiness.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) took an even firmer stance. “I’ve been clear: the House Republican CR provides, in my view, a blank check to shut down government agencies,” he told reporters. “We need to have a vote on the 30-day, and Republicans need to understand that as of today, that’s the way to proceed to avoid a government shutdown.”
More: Maxine Waters Exposes “Rug Pull” Scam in Trump’s Crypto Coin, Investors Lose $2 Billion
More: Rep. Chip Roy Defends Thomas Massie Amid Trump’s Criticism, Backs GOP Spending Bill
Van Hollen also criticized a provision in the House bill that gives Congress control over Washington, D.C.’s budget, capping it at $1 billion. “And it doesn’t save taxpayers money!” he exclaimed. “That provision on D.C. is all about Congress trying to run the District of Columbia.
It caps its budget at $1 billion. It doesn’t cut federal spending at $1 billion.” With time running out, Senate leaders must now negotiate a path forward or risk another government shutdown.
For You:
- “The Best and Healthiest Decision” Bethenny Frankel Reveals Surprise Move to Florida for Her and Daughter’s Future
- “She Was Going to Surprise My Wife”: Family Testifies in Trial Over Innocent Mother Killed in Police Chase Crash
- “Biden, You Can’t Hide” Protesters Hijack Secret Harvard Visit as Gaffes and Melting Ice Cream Steal the Spotlight
- “Why Do They Always Skip?” Prince William and Kate Middleton will not be joining King Charles at the Easter gathering
- Real reason why Kelly Clarkson is unable to answer million-dollar question