McConnell and Shelby propose government funding bill with no debt cap

Leader of the minority in the Senate Mitch mcconnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnell GOP political operatives indicted for the illegal campaign contribution of a Russian national in 2016, McConnell privately urged GOP senators to oppose raising the debt ceiling. (R-Ky.) And Sen. Richard shelbyRichard Craig ShelbyMcConnell Privately Urged GOP Senators To Oppose Debt Ceiling Rise Crypto Debate Should Come Back in Force Press: Why is Mo Brooks Still in the House? FOLLOWING (R-Ala.) Proposed a competing short-term government funding bill Tuesday night, just as House Democrats passed an interim measure that suspends the country’s borrowing limit.

McConnell and Shelby’s bill, the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, does not include a suspension of the debt ceiling, reflecting GOP pressure to separate government funding from the looming brawl over the country borrowing limit. The bill passed by the House would suspend the debt ceiling, which was reinstated on August 1 until 2022.

The GOP Senate bill also includes funding to support the Iron Dome, Israel’s air defense system. House Democrats on Tuesday removed a provision from their bill that would have provided $ 1 billion for the Iron Dome. House Majority Leader Steny HoyerSteny Hamilton HoyerThis Week: Democrats Face Growing Headaches Budget Speaker: Tackling Debt Ceiling Is “A Ridiculous Position” Five Questions And Answers On Tackling The Debt Ceiling MORE (D-Md.) Plans to hold a stand-alone vote on funding this week.

“I am pleased to present a package with Leader McConnell that would extend government funding, provide much-needed disaster relief and provide targeted aid to Afghans. Republicans and Democrats have held bipartisan and bicameral negotiations for weeks. to keep government open and provide emergency aid This bill reflects these urgent priorities, ”Shelby said in a statement.

“It is important to note that our legislation includes funding for the Iron Dome, respecting our commitment to a historic and important ally, and removing the ill-conceived language of Democrats on the debt limit. Members on both sides of the aisle can support this measure, and I urge them to do so quickly, ”he added.

The GOP proposal comes as Democrats move forward with their plan to attempt to suspend the country’s borrowing limit under the government’s short-term funding bill, known as the Continuing Resolution .

Congress has until the end of the month to pass a government funding measure and avoid a shutdown. Democrats and the GOP proposal would keep government funded until December 3.

It is less certain when the country will face a default. Congress had already voted in 2019, under the then-President TrumpDonald Trump Trump shoots new GOP candidate in Ohio over Cleveland dubbed GOP political agents indicted for illegal campaign contribution by Russian national in 2016, to suspend the debt ceiling until August 1. Since then, the Treasury Department has used so-called extraordinary measures to maintain the government’s solvency.

secretary of the treasury Janet YellenJanet Louise YellenOvernight Energy & Environment – Brought to you by League of Conservation Voters – White House plans workplace standard for extreme heat McConnell signals Senate GOP will oppose combined bill on Debt Ceiling Democrats Aim To Hang Debt Limit With Bill To Avoid Government Shutdown MORE has warned congressional leaders that the debt ceiling will need to be raised in October.

Senate Republicans are expected to block the House bill, which also includes disaster assistance and Afghan refugee resettlement funds, when it comes to the Senate next week.

Democrats will need 10 GOP votes to pass the bill. No GOP senator pledged to vote yes. Senator John kennedyJohn Neely KennedyPLUS (R-La.), Whose home state was devastated by recent hurricanes, is the closest, telling reporters he will “probably” vote yes.

The country has never defaulted on its debt, but what comes after that failed vote is in limbo.

Senate Republicans are trying to get Democrats to raise the debt ceiling themselves as part of the $ 3.5 trillion spending program they are trying to push through as part of budget reconciliation, which allows them to bypass the systematic obstruction in the Senate.

Democrats, so far, refuse to do so and say the vote should be bipartisan, recalling their support for debt ceiling suspensions under Trump.

But McConnell, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Tuesday, reiterated that Republicans were willing to back a short-term government funding bill only if it had the Iron Dome funding and didn’t. not addressing the debt ceiling.

“We are ready to support an ongoing resolution with assistance for Louisiana, with additional funds to replenish the Iron Dome,” McConnell said.

“What we are not prepared to do is relieve the Democratic President, the Democratic House and the Democratic Senate of their government obligation to tackle the debt ceiling,” he added.