Senate Advances Spending Bills Amidst Partisan Standoff

Late Friday night, the Senate made significant progress by advancing a package of spending bills, effectively breaking a partisan deadlock that threatened to derail the government funding process. The package includes critical funding for military construction and Veterans’ Affairs, agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the legislative branch. Throughout the week, these bills faced opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, each seeking to block their advancement. However, a breakthrough was achieved, allowing the bills to be put on the floor for voting.

Senator Kennedy’s Objection and Resolution

A notable roadblock was presented by Senator John Kennedy, R-La., who opposed the inclusion of the legislative branch funding bill due to increased spending specifically for Congress. Despite his initial resistance, Kennedy eventually allowed the bill to proceed to the floor. He expressed his concerns on the Senate floor, stating, “I just think we need to set an example, and when we’re increasing our spending 6% and others less,” highlighting his belief that Congress should not be seen as special.

Implications for House Republicans

The advancement of these bills marks a victory for the Senate Appropriations Committee and Republican leadership, who are striving to prevent a government shutdown. However, the bills now face scrutiny in the House, where Republicans are displeased with spending levels exceeding their approved limits. This development is particularly significant as it is the first time since 2018 that the Senate has passed spending bills before September.

Challenges Ahead with Trump’s Nominees

While this legislative progress is promising, lawmakers still face challenges in confirming President Donald Trump’s nominees. The president has urged Senate Republican leadership to cancel recess to expedite the confirmation process for over 150 nominees currently stalled due to Democratic opposition. Votes on several nominees are scheduled for Friday night and over the weekend unless a compromise is reached.