House rejects Republicans' short-term funding bill: reports

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Sep 2023 23:30

The US House of Representatives rejected Republican-backed legislation to fund the federal government temporarily and enhance border security.

House of Representatives, foreground, side of the US Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 (AP)

The US House of Representatives rejected a Republican-led legislative proposal aimed at temporarily funding the federal government and bolstering border security.

The legislation, known as the "Spending Reduction and Border Security Act," faced strong opposition and failed to garner enough support, with 232 members of the House opposing it compared to 198 in favor.

The bill sought to provide funding for the government until October 31, offering Congress additional time to pass the standard appropriations bills needed to keep federal operations running smoothly.

However, the White House made it clear earlier on Friday that President Joe Biden would veto the bill if it reached his desk, citing concerns over its provisions.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has been urging the House to consider the Senate's short-term funding bill, which not only addresses government funding but also includes over $6 billion in aid for Ukraine.

Despite this, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has expressed doubts about the bill's chances in the lower chamber, raising concerns about the necessary votes for its passage.

The US government will reportedly go into shutdown by Sunday as members of Congress struggle to find common ground on funding extensions before the end of the month.

Leaders from both sides of the aisle in Congress are racing against time to pass a short-term funding extension, aiming to prevent a government shutdown and maintain essential services. However, the success of this plan remains uncertain due to deep-seated divisions over spending priorities and policy disagreements, particularly concerning aid to Ukraine.

Congress seniors from both parties hope to pass a short-term funding extension, commonly known as a "continuing resolution" (CR), to avert a shutdown and provide additional time for broader funding negotiations.

Government funding is set to expire at the stroke of midnight on Saturday, September 30, marking the beginning of the new fiscal year on October 1. If Congress fails to enact legislation to renew funding by this deadline, the federal government will cease non-essential operations and services at midnight. The full impact of the shutdown is expected to become evident at the start of the work week on Monday.