Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced plans for a crucial vote on Sunday aimed at reopening the United States government. The proposal, contingent on Democratic support to advance a House-passed continuing resolution, will include a substitute measure featuring a later expiration date alongside three full-year appropriations bills, commonly referred to as a mini-bus.
Thune spoke to reporters, confirming that the Senate intends to hold the vote on Sunday afternoon, following a day without any legislative activity on Saturday. The text of the proposed legislation is expected to be released early on Sunday afternoon. The initiative aims to fund key areas of the federal government, including military construction, veterans affairs, and the Department of Agriculture, with appropriations bills that have already been pre-conferenced with House appropriators. Additionally, a stopgap measure will be included to fund the remainder of the federal government through late January 2024.
Thune’s proposal seeks to replace the House-passed continuing resolution, which currently funds the government through November 21, 2023. The new combined measure, informally dubbed the “Criminibus” by one Senate GOP aide, aims to provide a more comprehensive funding solution that addresses various federal departments while ensuring government operations continue without interruption.
On Sunday, Republican senators convened in the Mansfield Room, enjoying pizzas from Andy’s Pizza and leftover Halloween candy as they strategized on their next steps regarding the legislation. This gathering underscores the urgency and importance of reaching a bipartisan agreement to avert a government shutdown, which could have significant implications for federal operations and services.
As the Senate prepares for this pivotal vote, the outcome will hinge on the willingness of Democrats to collaborate with their Republican counterparts. The coming hours will be critical in determining the direction of U.S. government funding and operations for the upcoming months.
