In an overwhelming ballot, members of the House of Representatives have voted to pass a short-term spending bill that is specifically designed to forestall a government shutdown scheduled for November 17.
By a 365 to 95 vote, House members approved a continuing resolution that will keep certain parts of the federal government up and running into mid-January.
The agencies impacted, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Food and Drug Administration, will thus be able to remain open no matter what happens with a larger overall federal budget vote expected to be taken up by lawmakers in the immediate days to come.
The unusual short-term measure was proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson who said he wanted to put an end to sweeping omnibus spending bills that are usually passed by Congress when government shutdowns are looming.
In approving the measure, Colorado Democrat Representative Yadira Caraveo remarked: “By passing this spending bill, we can keep the government open and finally turn to the issues that matter most to our constituents–lowering costs for working people and putting our country on the right track for future generations.”
Arizona Republican Representative Paul Gosar, on the other hand, voted in opposition, arguing that the legislation fails to address a national debt that is close to $34 million “and crushing Americans with historically high inflation.”
The new short-term spending bill is now on its way to the Senate, where its chances for approval look promising.
Democrat Majority Leader Charles Schumer struck a bi-partisan note after the House vote noting that both he and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell “want to avoid a shutdown.”
Speaking to reporters, Schumer added: “McConnell and I are going to work together.”
By Garry Boulard
