Central ND News

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has advanced a short-term spending bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), to avoid a government shutdown as the deadline looms. The measure, which would continue Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations for federal agencies through the beginning of March, passed the Senate by a vote of 77 to 18.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) expressed his opposition to the CR and issued a statement explaining his vote. He emphasized the need for Congress to take more substantial action, stating, "Today's vote averts a partial shutdown, but we shouldn't pat ourselves on the back for doing the bare minimum. The American people deserve better than this mayhem, passing one stopgap bill after another."

Cramer further criticized Congressional leaders, urging them to recognize their responsibility to govern. He highlighted his willingness to support the CR if it was accompanied by a commitment to address other appropriations bills. However, he expressed his concerns that Senate Leader Chuck Schumer would use the CR to further his own agenda. Cramer stated, "If Leader Schumer had pledged to put the rest of the appropriations bills on the calendar today, I would vote for the CR to help facilitate that. However, a vote for the CR only facilitates Chuck Schumer doing exactly the opposite. He's doing what he always does, empowering himself in preparation for an omnibus which he will write."

The short-term spending bill will now move to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. As the government shutdown deadline approaches, the focus will be on reaching a consensus and ensuring uninterrupted funding for federal agencies.