Congress is gearing up for another round of high-stakes federal spending battles this week, and the drama is intensifying after last week’s failed attempts to advance crucial spending bills.
In the House, a diverse array of factions within the Republican conference has come together with a bold proposal: a one-month stopgap spending bill that not only slashes spending across various federal agencies but also resurrects key GOP-backed border initiatives. The plan is set to be put to a vote later this week, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
However, the battle lines have been drawn, and they are fierce. Opposition to this bill erupted on Sunday night, as rank-and-file Republicans were presented with the package during a conference call. Already, more than a half dozen GOP lawmakers are firmly declaring themselves as “no” votes, signaling potential turmoil on the horizon. Even if the bill manages to clear the House, its prospects in the Senate appear bleak.
As this high-stakes political chess match unfolds, Speaker Kevin McCarthy finds himself in a precarious position. He urgently needs the House to rally behind their proposal, as failure to do so could leave the House vulnerable to a Senate stopgap proposal or, worse yet, a damaging game of blame in the event of a government shutdown.
Over in the Senate, the battle continues with the resumption of consideration for the three-bill spending package. This package includes funding for critical departments such as Agriculture, Transportation, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, progress has been stalled by the formidable opposition of Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), leaving the fate of the first batch of amendments hanging in the balance.
As the week unfolds, there’s much more to watch on the congressional stage. The House Republican Steering Committee is set to vote on Monday to fill a vacant seat on the House Appropriations Committee, following Rep. Chris Stewart’s (R-Utah) retirement. Additionally, the House Administration Committee will hold a gripping hearing on Tuesday, featuring former Capitol Police chief Steven Sund discussing the events of January 6, 2021.
Adding to the intrigue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make a historic visit to the Capitol, and an all-senator meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, promising more twists and turns in this dynamic political landscape. Stay tuned as Congress navigates these turbulent waters in pursuit of crucial spending decisions.
