Congress narrowly averts a government shutdown with a short-term funding bill, extending the deadline to March 14th. This continuing resolution (CR) includes significant disaster relief funding exceeding $100 billion for areas ravaged by recent storms, Helene and Milton, and an additional $10 billion in economic aid for farmers. The bipartisan deal, unveiled by Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, also incorporates provisions targeting Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), revitalizing Washington, D.C.’s RFK Stadium, and promoting outbound investment legislation to counter the flow of U.S. capital benefiting Chinese military and technology firms. Furthermore, spurred by recent drone activity along the Eastern Seaboard, the bill reauthorizes and extends the government’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems program. To partially offset these expenditures, the Treasury will recoup funds spent on the Baltimore Key Bridge’s reconstruction. The last-minute negotiations, culminating in the bill’s release on Tuesday, have sparked controversy among some House Republicans. Conservative members express discontent over the inclusion of policy riders deemed unrelated to the core purpose of a “clean” CR, particularly the healthcare provisions and stadium revitalization initiatives. Rep. Eric Burlison voiced strong criticism, highlighting the bill’s sheer size and lack of sufficient time for review before the expected vote. The rapid legislative process contrasts sharply with previous discussions focused solely on the duration of a clean CR, causing significant internal friction within the Republican party. The expedited timeline also raises concerns regarding transparency and adequate scrutiny of the legislation’s considerable financial implications. Allies of President-elect Trump had advocated for delaying the bill until the new year, giving his administration and a fully Republican Congress greater influence over government spending. However, other GOP lawmakers feared such a move would hinder the party’s legislative agenda and risk squandering precious time in the face of a narrow majority. This short-term solution pushes the more complex funding discussions for fiscal year 2025 further down the line, leaving lawmakers with a renewed challenge to find common ground and prevent future government shutdowns. The looming deadline underscores the ever-present political tensions and the potential for further brinkmanship in the coming months.
Congress Averts Shutdown with Short-Term Spending Bill: Disaster Relief, Policy Riders Spark Debate
