With less than a week remaining before the beginning of Fiscal Year 2017 on October 1, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has scheduled a Senate vote on a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through December 9.
While calling the CR a “clean” bill, McConnell has attempted to address a number of concerns from Members from both parties by including provisions to increase Zika research funding and to aid in recovery efforts after Louisiana flooding, while omitting a provision related to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) sought by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).
Democrats, including Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), continue to voice opposition to the measure over its lack of funding to address Flint, Michigan’s drinking water crisis. Republicans contend that this funding is adequately addressed through its inclusion in a separate Senate-passed water infrastructure bill, although it is not included in the House version of the bill.
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) has indicated he believes the funding can be included when the two bills are combined in a conference committee. Ryan also predicted a “low-drama” vote in the House on the CR, although the Flint water issue could also complicate matters for his chamber.
Source: The Hill
