Recently, Congressional lawmakers unveiled the specifics of the first six budget bills necessary to keep government agencies funded before a potential partial government shutdown ensues. The 1,050-page appropriations package covers funding for six major governmental areas, including military and veterans affairs, agriculture, commerce, energy and water, transportation, housing, and more. The initial deadline for funding expiration was last Friday, but a temporary extension was agreed upon to avert a shutdown.
This is the fourth time this fiscal year that a funding extension has been necessary due to Congress’s inability to settle on a long-term budget plan. While this partial budget deal signifies progress in securing a permanent budget for the year, it is only half the battle. The remaining six appropriations bills that fund the rest of the government are set to expire on March 22, leaving Capitol Hill with a tight deadline to negotiate those components.
Within the appropriations package, Democrats have highlighted several victories. They successfully maintained full funding for a specialized food assistance program for women, infants, and children, protected housing and nutrition programs against cuts, and prevented the inclusion of provisions that would impede access to women’s health or setback climate change efforts.
On the other hand, Republicans are celebrating achievements of their own. They have secured wins related to veterans’ gun ownership issues and implemented funding cuts to various government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
As the funding package heads to the House for a vote, it is anticipated that opposition will arise, particularly from the House Freedom Caucus—a group of Republican hardliners known for their resistance to budget compromises. With the deadline for government funding drawing near, there is pressure on the House to swiftly pass and transmit the bipartisan package to the Senate for further consideration.
The release of the first six budget bills by Congressional lawmakers marks a significant step towards avoiding a government shutdown. While both Democrats and Republicans have found reasons to celebrate within the appropriations package, there are sure to be challenges ahead as Congress grapples with finalizing the remaining six funding bills. The next few weeks will be critical in determining the fate of the government’s budget for the rest of the fiscal year.
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