Lawmakers ‘may slip by a day’ in releasing text on emergency spending bill

As the deadline to avoid a government shutdown looms, the details surrounding the emergency spending bill are expected to be delayed, potentially slipping by a day. Lawmakers were initially set to share the text of the emergency spending bill on Sunday to address disaster relief and prevent a government shutdown, but sources have indicated that the release may be pushed back.

Both House and Senate lawmakers are currently negotiating over the size of the disaster aid package and whether it should be attached to an end-of-year federal funding bill crucial for avoiding a partial government shutdown during the holiday season. With government funding set to expire at 11:59:59 p.m. on Friday, any delay in releasing the text could push the House’s consideration of the bill until Thursday or Friday, right at the peak of the deadline.

While there are no apparent hold-ups with government funding through mid-March or the disaster package for Hurricanes Helene, Milton, wildfires in Maui, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, and tornadoes in the Midwest, issues have arisen with agricultural provisions and other items important to leaders on both sides.

President Biden’s request for over $100 billion in disaster aid funding following hurricanes Helene and Milton has sparked controversy, with the House Freedom Caucus urging Republican leaders to reject the request. The group is advocating for a pared-down package covering only essential relief needs, offset with spending cuts elsewhere to avoid adding to the national debt.

If new spending is not approved through appropriations bills or a stopgap measure, a partial government shutdown could occur before Christmas. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation as negotiations continue in Congress.