By a vote of 87-13, the Senate Thursday approved a shot-term spending measure that will fund the government for an additional three weeks. The bill will keep agencies operating through April 8, avoiding a potential government shutdown for the second time this month. The legislation originated in the House, where it was passed by a bipartisan vote of 271-158 with 104 Democrats and 54 Republicans opposing the measure.
One of six short-term extensions to be passed this year, this three-week continuing resolution further draws out the protracted budget battle in Washington. With few signs of compromise emerging from Capitol Hill, the potential for a government shutdown is higher now than it has been since the mid 1990’s, when Congressional Republicans twice shut down the government.
NFFE will continue to work with members of Congress and the Administration to secure a long-term funding measure that protects federal jobs, health care, and retirement security.
UPDATE: President Obama signed the temporary funding extension on Friday, March 18.