US Senate Reveals Stopgap Bill to Avoid Government Shutdown

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The Facts

  • Days away from a deadline that could result in a potential US federal government shutdown, the Democrat-led Senate on Tuesday agreed to a bipartisan bill that would keep the government funded through Nov. 17. While maintaining the current levels of spending, it included roughly $6B for domestic disaster relief and $6B in additional funds for Ukraine.

  • However, many in the GOP-controlled House have questioned giving more aid to Ukraine while also opposing a short-term funding extension — arguing instead that a full-year spending package with a cut in total spending should be passed. The resistance means the Senate bill is unlikely to make it through the House.

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The Spin

Democratic narrative

Hard-right House Republicans are pushing the US dangerously close to a shutdown. Their proposals have close to no chance in the Senate, but instead of compromise, they are doubling down, potentially causing devastation to those who rely on federal services. Even members of their own party are calling them out, but their loyalty is to MAGA, not the American people.

Associated Press

Republican narrative

Despite the alarmism about what a shutdown entails, most parts of the government will continue to function as normal. Meanwhile, with US debt now in excess of $33T, that is what's unsustainable. Nobody wants to see a government shutdown, but if it means bringing US debt back into line, then so be it.

PJ Media

Metaculus Prediction

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