The US Senate has taken a crucial step to prevent a government shutdown, voting in a bipartisan manner to clear the first procedural hurdle for a short-term funding extension.
The vote comes nearly two months before the deadline, when the current fiscal year expires on September 30. Senate Majority Leader John Thune argued that moving now would create more certainty in the coming weeks, rather than waiting and risking another prolonged shutdown.
Thune's comments come as a response to the uncertainty that has plagued the government in recent years, with two of the longest shutdowns in history taking place under Republican control. The first happened last year, lasting over 40 days, while the second, which occurred earlier this year, stretched for over 70 days.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer endorsed the continuing resolution (CR) on Monday, stating that it was the "responsible path forward that allows continued bipartisan negotiations on a budget that delivers for American families."
Republican leadership is hopeful that they can advance the CR to the House during the Senate's last official week in town, clearing the decks for several other items waiting in the wings, including a package of over 70 nominees, the long-awaited Russia sanctions package, and the final confirmation vote for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
