Congress approves stopgap funding to prevent government shutdown

Congress today approved a stopgap funding bill to keep the federal government going for another 45 days. It averts a government shutdown until mid-November.

Congressman Joe Morelle, D-Rochester, issued this statement:

 “Today, common sense and bipartisanship prevailed. At the 11th hour House Republican leadership finally came to their senses and removed all the extreme right-wing policies and funding cuts from a short-term government funding bill. This is a reprieve for the economic stability of America’s families and the safety and security of our nation.

“It is important to keep in mind that this is only a 45-day government funding bill, and there remains extremist Republicans in the House who are still demanding billions in cuts to law enforcement, veterans’ services, healthcare, childcare, education, and housing programs.

“In the days ahead, I pledge to oppose extremist efforts to harm our nation, and I will continue to work alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common ground and achieve our shared goals.”

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer tweeted this statement:

“This CR (continuing resolution) is good news for the American people.

“Today, MAGA extremists have failed, bipartisanship has prevailed, and both parties have come together to avert a shutdown.

“As I’ve said from day one, this is a bridge CR, a temporary solution. We won’t stop fighting for more economic and security assistance for Ukraine.

Majorities in both parties support Ukraine aid, and doing more is vital for America’s security and for democracy around the world

“After trying to take our government hostage, MAGA Republicans won nothing.

We funded the government and avoided all of the extreme, nasty, harmful cuts MAGA Republicans wanted. No 30% cuts to things like health care. No cuts to Social Security Administration. No cuts to nutrition programs for kids. Scores of poison pill, MAGA-inspired riders were removed.

“Democrats said from the start the only solution to avoid a shutdown was bipartisanship.

“Speaker McCarthy finally heeded our message. He could have made this decision weeks ago. Our bipartisan work in the Senate made this possible.”