US House scheduled to vote on Stopgap funding plan on Thursday

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Sep 2023 23:47

The proposed legislation seeks to extend US government funding until October 31 while also bolstering border security by recommencing the construction of a border wall.

The US Capitol dome in Washington, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP)

The US House of Representatives plans to deliberate on a short-term government funding bill this week, aiming to prevent a government shutdown by month-end, according to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, as indicated in the schedule released on Monday.

As per the schedule, House legislators will assess the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act later this week. US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy mentioned that the vote on this measure is scheduled for Thursday.

The proposed legislation, according to Scalise, seeks to extend US government funding until October 31 while also bolstering border security by recommencing the construction of a border wall.

"By passing a continuing resolution through the next month, Congress can keep the government open while incorporating border-related reforms to address the crisis at our border and protect American citizens," the statement said.

Debate on 8% spending reduction

The proposed legislation, introduced by Congressman Byron Donalds, involves an 8% reduction in government spending and does not allocate any funding for Ukraine, as conveyed in a statement posted on the social media platform X.

However, Congressman Matt Gaetz responded by pointing out that the 8% spending cut would only be in effect for 30 days, and he also mentioned that the border security measures would be disregarded by US President Joe Biden. Gaetz added that the legislation lacks the necessary support to pass.

US Congresswoman Victoria Spartz issued a statement expressing her opposition to the bill and criticizing US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

"It is a shame that our weak Speaker cannot even commit to having a commission to discuss our looming fiscal catastrophe," the statement said.

The US Congress is required to approve funding legislation for the government, which can take the form of a continuing resolution, appropriations bills, or an omnibus bill, by the end of the month to avoid the possibility of a government shutdown.