Washington The short-term funding bill’s content was originally scheduled to be made public over the weekend by House Speaker Mike Johnson. On Monday, he then anticipated it. He now anticipates receiving it on Tuesday.
Johnson, R-La., and House leaders continued to work on a bipartisan stopgap package to keep funding flowing into 2025 with fewer than four days left before the government shuts down.
Following a press conference on Tuesday, Johnson informed reporters, “We’re almost there.” We do anticipate receiving texts today.
He said the law, which includes catastrophe relief and $10 billion in farmer assistance, will keep the government functioning until March 14. He stated that in order to prevent a shutdown, he anticipates adhering to the 72-hour period between text release and a vote, which would fall near the Friday midnight deadline. Johnson stated that he is trying to secure the support of a majority of Republicans.
According to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., talks between the two parties on a financial agreement are still ongoing.
Schumer stated on the Senate floor on Tuesday that while there has been considerable progress, appropriators are still working to reach a final deal. Republicans have to come to an arrangement with us that we can implement immediately because, of course, the deadline of December 20 is drawing near.
Some House conservatives have criticized the last-minute discussions and the lack of clarity surrounding key elements, such as a health care legislation that would change the regulations pertaining to pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.
Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas, tweeted that this is not the way to go.
Rep. Eric Burlison, a Republican from Missouri, expressed his frustration with Johnson and referred to the proposed measure as a complete dumpster fire.
It’s crap, I think,” Burlison told reporters. I ran for Congress in an attempt to halt this. And regrettably, this is occurring once more. I’m not happy. I believe he is capable of more. He’s a better communicator. It is unacceptable that we are meant to vote on the language this week but haven’t seen it yet.
Burlison said, “That I won’t say,” in response to the question of whether it makes him hesitant to back Johnson for speaker next month.
Johnson said he isn’t worried about it. Johnson will run for speaker again on January 3 with an even smaller Republican majority.
Johnson assured reporters that he was not concerned about the speaker vote. We are in charge. Everyone is aware of our challenging situation. In those conditions, we’re doing everything we can.
When the House and Senate hope to adjourn for the Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year holidays on December 20, funding expires.
According to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana, the chamber intends to enact a package to secure federal funding and guarantee that we address disasters and our American farmers.
Scalise told reporters on Tuesday while standing next to Johnson, “We have a lot to do the rest of this week, but we all look forward to getting back home to our families and having a great Christmas as we get ready for what will be a very busy and productive New Year.”
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