Senate Republicans have scheduled a vote for next week on a short term spending package that would also provide federal funds to fight Zika, even though Democrats are still scoffing at the proposal.
The deal, which would fund the government through Dec. 9, includes a sweetener for Democrats — additional federal funds to help states deal with the growing opioid addiction crisis.
“It’s a fair proposal that funds all current government operations through Dec. 9, while also providing funding for the new legislation we’ve just passed overwhelmingly and that the president has signed — that’s legislation to address the heroin and prescription opioid epidemic and the [Toxic Substance Control Act] bill,” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor Thursday afternoon.
The bill does not include language that would delay the Oct. 1 handover of Internet domain name control to a global corporation, nor does it alter the makeup of the board of the Export-Import Bank, which is stalled due to lack of a quorum and GOP reluctance to appoint board members.
Democrats criticized McConnell’s move. They said they have not seen the legislation, although both parties have been in negations for days. Democrats also complained that the legislation was filed in a way that prevents them from offering amendments that could pass.
Congress is working against a deadline. Government funding runs out on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year, and a partial government shutdown would follow without more funding.
The funding proposal offered by McConnell includes $500 million in disaster aid to Louisiana and other flood-stricken states.
Democrats, however, are angry additional funding was not included for Flint, Mich., where the water is contaminated with lead.
Republicans immediately called for passage of the bill.
“This continuing resolution will maintain government operations while we work toward completing the FY2017 appropriations process,” said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran, R-Miss. “It will ensure stability for our men and women in uniform, continue important security and law enforcement programs, and respond to pressing issues such as Zika and disaster recovery. I encourage its adoption.”
