Top Democrats supported the first appropriations billon a summer Tuesday night, but they are not ruling out a government shutdown in October.
Why it matters:The vote on the MilCon-VA bill was 90-8. However, these figures may not tell the whole story.
- They fail to represent the Democrats’frustration over rescissions– and anxieties and doubts regarding the upcoming funding process.
What they’re sayingThere are the CR issues, and then there are today’s issues,” Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said to Axios. “I would just keep them separate for now.
- “It’s merely a motion to move forward, and we are eager for the amendment procedure,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
- “We are deciding on a vote-by-vote basis, which is our duty to do,” Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said to Axios.
Driving the news:In the end, just seven Democrats cast their votes against proceeding with the funding bill.
- This provided leaders with the opportunity to differentiate between backing regular spending bills and a continuing resolution they are likely to face in September.
- It was carried out through a bipartisan effort, there’s no question about that,” Schumer stated. “It reverses many of the harmful DOGE reductions for veterans.
- And the vote on Tuesday merely initiated discussion on the bill, which Democrats have not yet pledged to back.
What to watch: Schumer was anticipated to meet Tuesday evening with senior Senate and House Democrats, such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), to address matters concerning government financing.
Zoom out:Democrats are split on the extent of support they should provide to Republicans in financing the government — and on when and where to confront them over the values that define their party.
- Some forward-thinking senators are promising not to support funding bills unless they get strong guarantees that Republicans will not attempt any additional efforts to repeal policies.
- “What makes anyone believe in the Republicans anymore?” Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said to Axios.
Zoom in:Some Republican lawmakers appear to be receptive to the Democratic concerns regarding the impact of rescission measures in the funding process.
- Democrats have expressed a “legitimate worry” regarding entering into spending agreements only to see them reversed through rescissions, said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) last week.
The bottom line:Senate Democrats do not need to make a decision in July about potentially closing the government in October.
- Nevertheless, they must ensure their threat is believable to persuade Republican leaders to involve them in budget decisions and prevent a second emergency funding package.
