Central ND News

The United States Senate has approved a continuing resolution (CR) with a vote of 54 to 46, which will extend government funding through September 30. The House of Representatives had passed the bill earlier in the week with a narrow margin of 217 to 213.

Following the Senate's approval, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota commented on the development. He stated, "Despite Democrats fanning the flames of a government shutdown, both chambers worked with President Trump to pass this funding bill. This legislation makes the best of a bad situation by providing a much-needed boost to our defense and homeland security accounts and a substantial pay raise for junior enlisted troops."

Senator Cramer also criticized delays in budget proceedings: "This is not the way to piece together a budget. Despite the Appropriations Committee passing nearly every full-year funding bill last July, Senator Schumer sat on them, leading to a logjam halfway through the fiscal year." He expressed appreciation for Leader Thune's commitment to prioritize regular order in government funding.

The resolution aims to prevent disruption by ensuring that core government services remain funded without increasing spending levels. It includes measures such as safeguarding veterans' healthcare services and benefits, enhancing defense investments with significant pay raises for junior enlisted troops, supporting federal wildland firefighters, and protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients from potential shutdown-related disruptions.

Additionally, it increases funding for air traffic control priorities compared to Fiscal Year 2024 and fully funds nutrition assistance programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), including an over $500 million increase requested by the Trump administration.