The fear of a government shutdown is being used by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) to pressure Congress into passing amendments that would reduce the cost of new spending in a crucial short-term financing bill. Paul’s ultimatum may cause the continuing resolution (CR), which is anticipated to finance the government through March 14, to be delayed when the clock runs out on Friday.
Paul has a lot of leverage because of the Congressional leaders’ delays in completing the CR. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has only a few days to get unanimous Senate agreement to prevent a shutdown, as the House is unlikely to vote on the legislation until Wednesday or Thursday. Paul, however, has stated his terms clearly.
Without debate, which entails modifications, I cannot expect to grant any kind of agreement to condense time. Paul remarked, “We’ll probably put forward some pay-fors.” In order to offset spending for hurricane disaster aid in North Carolina and other impacted areas, he specifically mentioned green-energy subsidies as a possible decrease.
As frustration grows among conservatives in both chambers who have not yet seen the entire CR legislation, incoming Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) cautioned that the delays may force the Senate to work on weekends. New funds for disaster relief, subsidies to farmers, and other initiatives with strong backers are anticipated to be included in the resolution.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) expressed suspicion about the deal-making process, saying, “I don’t know what all kinds of schemes they’re hatching here.” Rumor has it that the House Republicans aren’t entirely satisfied with the alleged final agreement.
Johnson called on leaders to refrain from overspending in the CR and advocated for a simpler solution: Do it clean, just clean.
Paul’s request for modifications as the deadline draws near highlights a larger conflict about financial priorities. The argument draws attention to the conflicting interests of vulnerable groups and corporate subsidies, which is a continuous struggle with significant ramifications for government expenditure and equity, even as catastrophe aid for cities like Asheville looms.
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