Appropriations made scant progress before recess.
Both chambers of Congress have departed Washington, D.C., for the August recess. Appropriations for the coming fiscal year are due by the end of September. Without funding in place, the government would shut down. The House has passed only 12 appropriations measures at this point while the Senate has not passed any. When legislators do return, the leadership in both chambers will face a partisan disagreement.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the House is “marching the American people and the Congress toward a government shutdown.”
Representative Bob Good of Virginia said his group wants to get back to pre-COVID spending levels, despite a debt ceiling agreement reached earlier in the year. He said, “We should not fear a government shutdown.”
As for the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “The House and Senate are worlds apart on it when it comes to the appropriations process.” He added, “I hope there won’t be a government shutdown.”
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy agreed. “I don’t want to see a government shutdown. I want to find that we can find common ground.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Speaker McCarthy as they work toward a consensus regarding appropriations.
- For all members of Congress as they return to their states and interact with constituents at home.
- For discernment for senators and representatives concerning the priorities of funding the government.
Sources: ABC News, Axios, Roll Call
