Congressional leaders unveil an interim spending bill that would continue funding the federal government through March 14 and provide more than $100 billion in emergency aid to help states and communities recover from the hurricanes. did. helen and Milton and other natural disasters.
The measure would prevent a partial government shutdown scheduled for after midnight Friday. Final decisions on spending levels for this budget year will fall to the new Republican-led Congress and the next president. donald trump. Continuing resolutions typically continue an agency’s current spending levels.
Passing the bill is one of the final measures lawmakers will consider this week before going on vacation, preparing them for the next legislative session. This is the second short-term funding measure taken this fall as lawmakers struggle to pass more than a dozen annual spending bills before the new fiscal year typically begins Oct. 1. It is.
The bill provides $100.4 billion in disaster relief and $10 billion in additional economic support for farmers struggling with low commodity prices and high input costs.
“We have to help people in such dire situations,” the Speaker said. mike johnson he told reporters.
Net agricultural income is projected to fall by 4.1% this year, after falling 19.4% a year ago from the highest recorded in 2022. Prime Minister Boris Johnson hinted that more farm aid could be delivered in the next parliament, saying: “We can’t do it all right now.”
“Congress is doing the best they can under difficult circumstances, and I think this will be a huge boost for the industry,” Johnson said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the deal “includes no layoffs or poison pills” and would fund Democratic priorities such as child care, workforce training and job placement. Ta.
“With this agreement, we are on track to avoid a government shutdown,” Schumer said.
“It’s a great start,” said Rep. Glenn Thompson, the Republican chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, who expects more economic relief for farmers.
“I think it sends the right signal to the market that most farmers and ranchers will be able to qualify for the financing they need to plant crops and grow their herds,” Thompson said. .
president joe biden It is seeking approximately $114 billion in disaster relief. submit It requested $99 billion in November, telling lawmakers the money was “urgently needed.” The administration subsequently updated the request to include funding for the repair of federal facilities damaged by natural disasters.
The largest portion of the funding, about $29 billion, will go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s main disaster relief fund. The fund helps clear debris, repair public infrastructure, and provide financial support to survivors. Approximately $21 billion is being used to assist farmers who have experienced crop and livestock losses.
Another $8 billion will go toward rebuilding and repairing highways and bridges in more than 40 states and territories. Approximately $12 billion will also be earmarked for community recovery support through block grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Approximately $2.2 billion will be earmarked for low-interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and homeowners looking to rebuild after disasters.
“This is not a bill that I would write alone, but a strong bipartisan bill that would provide the resources that communities urgently need to recover,” said Sen. Patty Murray, Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. It’s a package.”
Congress is expected to pass the bill just before the new shutdown deadline. House Republicans typically give lawmakers 72 hours to consider the text of the bill, a provision that would postpone a final vote until Friday. The Senate is not known for acting quickly, but many members are eager to adjourn for the rest of the year to make way for the next session.
Since this bill is the last bill to pass in the current Congress, lawmakers have been working to include certain priorities. In the medical field, the bill would expand coverage of telehealth appointments for Medicare enrollees and make it easier for pharmacy managers (the companies that negotiate how and what drugs are covered by insurance plans) to close these deals. The aim is to control the amount of benefits provided to children.
The bill also includes provisions focused on countering China, including an expansion of Biden’s executive order restricting investment in countries that pose a national security threat to the United States. Halting China’s high-tech ambitions is one of the few issues that enjoys broad support from both Republicans and Democrats in Washington.
There are also provisions for the transfer of land. Former RFK Stadium site It could be transferred from the federal government to the District of Columbia to build a new stadium for the Washington Commanders.
The bill also provides full federal funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. folded When the ship was struck by a cargo ship that reported a loss of power just before the collision. Federal taxpayers are reimbursed through insurance proceeds and litigation proceeds.
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