WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Lawmakers are home for Thanksgiving, but when they return to the Capitol, they face a looming government funding deadline.
Senate Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) says lawmakers should expect a busy schedule when they get back in December.
“Both sides must continue working together to keep the government open beyond the December 20th deadline,” Schumer said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is suggesting lawmakers should pass a funding extension instead of a full budget. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) isn’t committing to either option.
“There are pros and cons both ways, we’ll just see how it plays out,” McConnell said.
The effort to pass another short-term spending bill is facing opposition. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) argues lawmakers have an obligation to get a full funding package passed this year.
“I think pushing it into next year is a horrible idea and I think it’s politically motivated because next year there will be two Republican houses and a Republican president,” Kaine said.
He says he thinks there’s bipartisan agreement on that point.
“I know that the strong desire on the Senate side not only among Democrats, but among many of my Republican colleagues is to get this done now,” Kaine said.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) says she thinks Congress should prioritize passing a government funding bill now, so that come January the new Republican majority can shift focus to enacting their agenda.
“That way the next Congress can stand at full attention, ready to advance policies to make our country safer, stronger, and a more resilient place,” Capito said.
Lawmakers only have until December 20th to come to an agreement or risk a government shutdown right before Christmas.