WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Congress narrowly avoided a partial shutdown this weekend, passing a short-term funding bill late Thursday.
“This year the good lord gave us an extra day in February. So, let’s make sure we finish the job and don’t drag this debate into March,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
However, the bill only punts the debate one week, giving lawmakers until next Friday to finalize details of a deal on half of government spending, and another three weeks to reach a deal on the rest.
Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall said he’s not convinced they can strike a deal by the new deadline.
“Here we are already 5 months late and I see no path to gathering in the reigns of an out-of-control budget process,” Marshall said.
This is the fourth time Congress has passed a short-term measure to avoid a shutdown. The bill gives lawmakers until March 8 to pass six appropriations bills and until March 22 to pass the rest.
Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn said punting the deadline yet again is only pulling Congress’ attention away from addressing other issues.
“We don’t have the ability to work on legislation to address the border crisis, the fentanyl epidemic, public safety concerns or other issues that are top of mind,” Cornyn said.
Still, Schumer said he is confident Congress can make it happen and pass a yearlong budget when they return.
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