Congressman Auchincloss Reacts to Averted Government Shutdown, Funding that Excludes Ukraine

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 5860 by a vote of 88-9, the Continuing Resolution which allows funding for the federal government to continue to November 17, 2023. The resolution required a 60-vote affirmative threshold to pass. President Biden has indicated that he would sign the bill, averting a government shutdown.

In the Senate, the nine No votes came from Republican Senators Blackburn, Bruan, Cruz, Hagerty, Lee, Marshall, Paul, Schmitt and Vance. Senators Stabenoe (D-MI) and Scott (R-SC) did not vote.

About 7 hours earlier that same day, the U.S. House passed the Continuing Resolution, H.R. 5860, in a roll call vote, 335 to 91, providing for the 45-day extension of federal funding, while allowing debate on funding bills to continue.

The funding extension ensures, for example, that military members continue to be paid, that F.A.A. receives a 3-month extension of its authority which will help avoid airport delays, and that nutrition assistance continues for women and children who need it. In the successful bipartisan effort to avert the government shutdown, however, there is no continued funding to support the war in Ukraine.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04) reacted to that omission. “Kevin McCarthy sided with the Kremlin over Ukraine. Without Democrats stepping up to help him, his conference would have voted to shut the government down rather than support Ukraine’s fight for freedom,” said the representative in a statement released shortly after the House vote.

“I voted to keep the government open because it is the responsible thing to do. This vote is the last time I will support a GOP compromise that does not provide clear, credible, and concrete terms for supporting Ukraine,” said Congressman Auchincloss.

In the U.S. House, 209 House Democrats voted Yea, including Rep. Auchincloss. Only 1 Democrat voted Nay. Of House Republicans, 126 voted Yea, while 90 voted Nay on H.R. 5680. 

Thanks to the Office of Congressman Jake Auchincloss for sharing the Congressman's comments with Westwood Minute.

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