Senate Proposes Extending Funding Deadline Again as Lawmakers Struggle to Agree on Spending
• Senate Republicans want to extend current government funding into March, marking the 3rd deadline extension in recent months. They need more time to negotiate spending bills and avoid a shutdown.
• Lawmakers still don’t have agreed upon spending caps for each section of government needing funding. Negotiations are ongoing between key Senators and House members.
• The House Speaker pledged in November not to approve another short-term funding extension, but the Senate proposal will likely put the chambers at odds.
• If Congress doesn't meet the Jan 19 and Feb 2 funding deadlines, federal agencies and employees not deemed "essential" will have to stop work.
• Hardline House Republicans are frustrated with the new Speaker after he announced an agreement on total funding levels with Democrats. Some see it as a "slap in the face".