Legislators seek to avoid a government shutdown.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said members of Congress in both the House and Senate have reached a deal on federal spending. In a “Dear Colleague” letter, Speaker Johnson said the deal provides a path to “fight the important policy riders included in our House FY24 bills.”
In his letter, the House speaker said the deal allocates $1.690 trillion for the rest of fiscal year 2024 which ends September 30. He said it includes $886 billion for defense and $704 billion for nondefense spending.
In a separate statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both of New York, said they would not be supporting policy changes “in any of the twelve appropriations bills put before the Congress.”
In November, Congress passed two continuing resolutions under which the government is now operating. Four appropriations areas were continued through January 19 and eight others through February 2.
Legislators from both parties and both congressional chambers agree there is tremendous pressure on Speaker Johnson to get appropriations measures passed. Congress is also considering the supplemental request made by President Biden for extending funding for Ukraine, Israel, and border security.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Speaker Johnson as he endeavors to work for agreement in both parties to reach a funding deal that will pass the House and Senate.
- For senators and representatives to recognize the need to be financially responsible in their appropriations.
- For the president and members of his administration to come to a reasonable compromise on the levels of government spending.
Sources: Washington Examiner, The Hill, Just The News
