(Scypre.com) – When Congress reconvenes after a recess, a contentious battle over federal government funding is set to intensify. The House Republican majority and the Senate are on a collision course as they work on conflicting versions of a comprehensive package that must be enacted into law by September 30 to avoid a government shutdown.
Unlike the House, Senate leaders have taken a bipartisan approach, and influential senators plan to reassert themselves after taking a backseat during recent debt ceiling negotiations. However, disagreements over U.S. aid to Ukraine and the inclusion of abortion restrictions and anti-LGBTQ policies supported by the GOP have further complicated the process of passing the crucial bill.
With a month-long August recess limiting the time available for Congress to address these issues, finding a resolution becomes more challenging.
To appease ultraconservative members dissatisfied with the budget agreement in the debt ceiling deal, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Appropriations Chair Kay Granger have announced their intention to pass funding at lower levels than those established by the recent law. This move has drawn criticism from Democrats who view it as a violation of the agreement.
Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, condemned Speaker McCarthy’s actions, stating that they increase the risk of a government shutdown. Van Hollen accused McCarthy of prioritizing the demands of far-right members and disregarding the agreement struck with the president. He predicted that it would lead to challenging moments ahead.
Key House Republicans, who advanced a series of appropriations bills before the July 4 recess, aim to redefine the perception of spending agreements. Representative Kay Granger emphasized that the debt ceiling budget agreement should be seen as a limit rather than a baseline for future government funding. As a result, she plans to mark up appropriations bills at the lower level established in fiscal year 2022.
Representative Chip Roy echoed these sentiments, stating that House conservatives are attempting to rectify what they perceive as the shortcomings of the debt limit battle, including excessive funding levels.
In addition to the disputes over abortion and LGBTQ rights, House Democrats have criticized other provisions included by Republicans in their appropriations bills. These measures include cuts to rural energy funding, the prohibition of military diversity programs, and the repeal of clean-energy tax breaks under the Inflation Reduction Act.
The extent to which Speaker McCarthy will insist on lower spending levels and conservative policy additions remains uncertain. Some House Republicans view it as an initial position before entering into negotiations with the Senate. McCarthy faces the challenge of maintaining unity within his slim majority to protect his speakership, with ultraconservatives often taking a firm stance.
While House Republicans clash with Democrats, the Senate is pursuing a different approach by adhering to agreed-upon spending limits and avoiding policies that are unacceptable to either party.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer outlined a busy July schedule and emphasized the Senate’s commitment to advancing appropriations bills in a bipartisan manner.
Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray and Vice Chair Susan Collins issued a joint statement expressing their determination to proceed in a bipartisan manner while asserting the Senate’s authority. This indicates that the funding debate will differ from the debt limit bill.
Murray made it clear that the Senate rejects the GOP’s proposal to increase military funding while cutting domestic funding. She emphasized the importance of giving equal attention and urgency to programs that families rely on daily, just as is constantly seen for the Pentagon.
McCarthy also faces disagreement with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell regarding aid to Ukraine. While many House conservatives are skeptical about continuing to fund Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s aggression, McConnell is resolute in supporting it.
During a visit to Fort Knox, McConnell stated that the conflict in Ukraine is the most important global issue at present, emphasizing the need to defeat Russia.
He rejected the notion that the war is not significant for the United States, stating that this is not only his view but also the majority view among Republicans and Democrats in the Senate.
September will be a busy month for Congress, with additional deadlines to agree on a new farm bill and reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration by September 30. The tensions surrounding government funding may dampen the atmosphere for negotiations.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed disappointment with House Republicans, accusing them of reneging on their negotiated commitments. She questioned the rationale for negotiating with people who do not honor their agreements.