First CR Fails in Senate, but Another is on the Way
Yesterday on September 24, a continuing resolution to fund the federal government temporarily through December 11, 2015 failed to pass in the Senate. The recorded vote was 47 to 52.
Although a continuing resolution (CR) is necessary to provide funding past the end of the federal fiscal year (September 30th) and avoid a government shutdown, there was unanimous opposition to the CR from Democrats due to a provision within the bill which would have defunded Planned Parenthood. Joining them in opposition were eight Republican senators.
However, leadership in the Senate has stated that there will be a second CR to be considered on Monday, September 28. This CR will not contain any provisions related to Planned Parenthood, and it is expected to pass swiftly. From there, the CR will be voted upon in the House where it is also anticipated to pass. According to various news sources, Republicans in the House may still fight funding for Planned Parenthood through a separate CR which includes provisions stripping the organization of its funding, which is to be introduced after the “clean” CR is passed. The White House has also stated that President Obama will veto any spending bill which would strip Planned Parenthood of its federal funding.
There are still lingering concerns over a government shutdown. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is still cautious and said in a statement: “At this time, prudent management requires that the government plan for the possibility of a lapse [in funding], and OMB is working with agencies to take appropriate action.” Leadership in both the House and Senate have voiced opposition to another Government shutdown, and while NAHMA anticipates that a CR will be passed before the end of the fiscal year, we will continue to monitor the situation and will alert members if a shutdown is inevitable.
NAHMA is still encouraging members to contact their elected officials in opposition to a government shutdown. During your outreach, we also urge you to voice support for a broad budget deal which will lift the unworkable budget caps currently in place and eliminate the threat of another round of sequestration cuts. To read more about this grassroots advocacy effort, please click here.