The measure differs from the House version and awaits the lower chamber’s approval in September.
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed a continuing resolution on Saturday to extend government funding through December 11 before recessing for the remainder of August. The measure, which expands on the stopgap funding already approved by the House of Representatives, will wait for the lower chamber to resume business next month.
The Senate’s version would pause the rule from the president’s administration that requires senior political officials to approve federal grants. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana stated that Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said the rule would not be finalized until December, so the delay was acceptable. The upper chamber also halts construction of Trump-class battleships while funding other Navy shipbuilding programs. The measure would curb additional funding being transferred to Border Patrol and immigration law enforcement.
Members of both parties in each chamber of Congress have been eager to avoid a government shutdown at the end of September ahead of the November midterm elections.
After party leaders spoke with President Trump, the Senate adjourned without taking up the reconciliation package that would have increased defense spending and implemented election integrity elements of the SAVE America Act, including proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID to cast ballots at polls.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of Congress as they campaign for the midterm elections and work in their home districts through the month of August.
- For discernment for President Trump and officials in his Cabinet as they set and pursue goals and priorities.
- For wisdom for U.S. voters as they evaluate candidates running for federal, state, and local offices.
Sources: Roll Call, Breaking Defense, MSN
