House Passes Short-Term Spending Bill, But Shutdown Still Possible
By RJ Johnson - @rickerthewriter
January 19, 2018
The House has approved a short-term spending bill Thursday evening that would avoid a government shutdown at midnight on Friday. But, Democrats in the Senate say they have the votes to block its passage shortly before the anniversary of President Trump taking office.
The House vote, which passed 230-197, had looked to be in danger early on, but passed after Republican leaders managed to cajole members who wanted more money for the military.
The short-term spending bill extends the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years, and rolls back taxes in the Affordable Care Act. There was no solution for illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children (known as "dreamers"), which has been a key sticking point for Democrats.
There is a STILL bipartisan deal from Sens Durbin & Graham to protect Dreamers AND fund @POTUS’s full request for the WALL. @realDonaldTrump, it's time to take yes for an answer.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 18, 2018
The House just did the right thing—for our men and women in uniform AND for the millions of children who rely on CHIP. Now, will Senator Schumer and Senate Democrats do the right thing by the American people, or will they force a government shutdown? https://t.co/fsWJuMjNbL pic.twitter.com/okYfUnNsMa
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 19, 2018
The bill, which keeps the lights on for the government through February 16th, is not guaranteed to pass the Senate, as at least nine members of the Democratic Caucus say they oppose the latest . Other lawmakers say they're tired of passing stopgap measures and want to negotiate a long-term spending bill solution.
Republican Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have also expressed opposition to the short-term spending bill. The Senate needs 60 votes to pass spending legislation.
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