WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers have proposed a spending freeze to prop up the federal government until Dec. 16, providing more Support for Ukraine and helping communities respond to recent natural disasters.
Both houses of Congress have until late Friday, the end of the fiscal year, to pass legislation to avert a partial government shutdown. It represents the last unfinished business for lawmakers Mid-term elections in November. Both parties are eager to wrap up and spend time on the campaign trail, reducing the risk of a federal shutdown.
The bill provides nearly $12.3 billion in Ukraine-related aid, including training, equipment, weapons and direct financial assistance to the Ukrainian government. The aid is on top of the $53 billion already approved through two bills.
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The measure does not include the White House’s call for $22 billion in spending to respond to Covid-19 and $3.9 billion to prevent the monkeypox virus. Republican lawmakers have vehemently opposed the health fund. At least 10 Republican senators must support the measure to overcome procedural hurdles and advance in that chamber.
The bill includes legislation from Sen. Joe Manchin to streamline the permitting process for energy projects and make it easier for pipeline construction in his home state and Virginia.
Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, confirmed that President Joe Biden and Democratic leaders have pledged to vote on the authorization package for support. An important law to prevent climate change. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer D.N.I. He announced that he intends to include it in the next decision that should be passed.
While Republicans have expressed support for streamlining the permitting process for energy projects, some, including Republican Leader Mitch McCone, have taken issue with Manchin’s proposal. Sen. Richard Shelby, the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said he would oppose the continuing resolution if it is included.
We have made significant progress towards a continuous solution that is as clean as possible. But, if the Democrats insist that it should include authorizing an amendment, I will oppose it,” Shelby said.
“I’m sorry to hear that a permit amendment that is not related to this bill has been tabled. Senator Patrick Leahy, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said, “This is a controversial issue that deserves to be debated on its own merits. However, we cannot risk a government shutdown with four days left in the fiscal year. We must work to move this bill forward.”
The bill would provide an additional $1 billion to a program that helps low-income families heat their homes.
There has been broad, bipartisan support to boost support for Ukraine. The bill includes $4.5 billion for the Ukrainian government to provide basic citizen services, and authorizes the president to withdraw $3.7 billion worth of equipment from U.S. stocks to support Ukraine’s armed forces. There is also money to replenish weapons and ammunition sent to Ukraine, and to provide intelligence support and training to Ukraine.
“The people of Ukraine urgently need our support to protect their families and protect global democracy by holding Russia’s fake election to annex part of Ukraine,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, chairwoman of the House Democratic Committee.
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