The bill for short-term spending is also known by the name of a continual resolution (CR) and will fund the government until the 16th of December. This would allow Congress more time to work out a long-term agreement to fund the government.
The federal government could have to shut down in the event Congress is unable to approve the CR at the close of Friday.
In addition to ensuring that the government is funded at the same levels of spending, the CR would offer:
- $12.3 billion in aid to military and economic development to Ukraine.
- $1 billion to help low-income homeowners get Energy Assistance (LIHEAP).
- $2.5 billion in funding to New Mexico to recover from the Calf Canyon/Hermit's Peak fire.
- $20 million to build irrigation infrastructures in Jackson, Mississippi.
- An extension of five years for the reauthorization of FDA fees for users.
- $3 billion to the State Department to facilitate Afghan resettlement.
- The FBI would be given $15 million to examine Afghan refugees.
- $35 million to help prepare and respond in the event of “potential and radiological incidents in Ukraine”.
It also contains Sen. Joe Manchin's (D-WV) Energy Independence and Security Act which Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) promised that he would add in Manchin's backing of the Inflation Reduction Act.
If the bill is approved, it will drastically cut down the amount of time it takes by the federal government to conduct environmental assessments.
Manchin's bill would have to overcome significant obstacles, since both Republicans as well as Democrats are opposed to his legislation. Republicans favor Sen. Shelley Moore Capito's (R-WV) alternative bill and Senator. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as well as other leftists are concerned about the environmental consequences of the bill.
Senator. Richard Shelby (R-AL) who is the majority member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Monday night that “We have made great advances towards an enduring Resolution with a resolution that's as clear as it is possible. But, if Democrats insist on including a permit reform, I'll oppose it.”
The Senate will conduct a cloture vote Tuesday night to approve the legislative vehicle of the CR. If the vote fails it's possible that Congress could approve a smaller “bridge” funding bill to allow Congress the time needed to settle legislators' disagreements over the legislation.
