Congress is Cutting it Close on Spending Again

As the deadline to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) fast approaches, legislators are debating how to advance a spending bill and prevent another government shutdown.

Today Democrats voted against a stopgap spending measure that would keep the government open until Dec. 9, citing that the package provides money for aid to Louisiana post-flood, but none for Flint, Michigan where there is an ongoing water crisis.

Without any Democratic votes, the spending measure cannot move forward in the Senate.

Senate Republicans are now weighing the possibility of removing the money for natural disasters, and though Democrats say that is not their preference, they have also noted it might be a compromise they’re willing to accept.

"If Louisiana were not in there, it would reduce the profile of disaster aid in this bill. And that would be helpful,” said Senate Minority Whip Richard Durbin.

“There's still really deep felt feelings by our Michigan senators and many others that this is just fundamentally unfair to the victims in Flint and we don't trust the House to help at all,” Durbin added.

"We keep hearing that their position is no flint, no flood,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "That's certainly an option worth discussing."

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer noted Democrats want assistance for victims in both communities, but would likely back a CR that did not provide aid for either one. He added that Democrats would still insist the legislation have the $1.1 billion to combat the Zika virus.