Administration Says Biden Will Veto GOP Stopgap Government Funding Bill

President Joe Biden has announced his intention to veto a bill proposed by House Republicans to temporarily fund the government and prevent a shutdown on September 30.

As the 2024 fiscal year concludes on September 30, Congress needs to authorize new spending to keep the government running.

However, neither chamber has passed all 12 necessary appropriations bills, and there is no agreement on the contents of these bills.

In response, a continuing resolution (CR) was introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) on September 6. This CR is designed to provide temporary funding through March 2025, maintaining the previous year's funding levels.

The Biden administration has criticized the proposed CR for its extended duration and controversial provisions related to federal elections.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated that the CR would result in inadequate funding for both defense and non-defense programs for six months, potentially impacting national security and military readiness.

The OMB argued that a shorter-term CR would be more appropriate, allowing Congress more time to finalize full-year appropriations.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has also urged for a short-term CR to allow for the completion of the appropriations process within the current calendar year.

In contrast, Congressional Republicans are advocating for a longer CR, hoping that their party will win the presidency and control of Congress in the November elections. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) suggested that the extended CR would provide time for a future conservative administration to address government spending issues.

The CR includes provisions from the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which seeks to prevent foreign nationals from voting in U.S. elections.

This measure, passed by the House in July, has faced opposition from Democrats who argue it could complicate voter registration for U.S. citizens.

Given the CR's content and its extended duration, it is unlikely to be accepted by Senate Democrats, who control the Senate.

This situation will necessitate negotiations between the two chambers to reach a compromise.

Congress has 14 legislative days, excluding weekends, to address the shutdown deadline.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have not yet commented on Biden's veto threat.