UPDATE 10/1/2015:
With only seven hours to spare, last night the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution, funding the federal government through December 11 and avoiding another government shutdown. The bill was approved 277 to 151, with 91 Republicans supporting the bill that ensured its passage. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-23), the front-runner to succeed for the Speakership, voted for the bill, while his competitor Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL-8) voted against it. White House press praised the House’s action and stated the President will sign the bill into law once he receives it. Eyes still remain on Congress as broader budget discussions begin to work on a long-term budget deal.
Yesterday evening, the Senate passed a short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown and fund the government through December 11. Otherwise known as a “continuing resolution” (CR), the bill passed the Senate with overwhelming support receiving a final vote tally of 77-19. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rand Paul (R-KY) were among the nineteen Senators who voted against the bill, expressing concern on overall spending levels and continuing a narrative focused on defunding Planned Parenthood. The White House has announced its support for the stop-gap solution, which will give lawmakers an opportunity to pass a longer and more comprehensive budget.
All eyes are now on the House of Representatives, who have up to thirty hours of debate time on the Senate’s continuing resolution. The House is anticipated to vote on the bill either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. It is expected that the House will pass the bill, allowing the President to sign a clean CR with no extra provisions outside of funding the government. Stay tuned as NAfME will continue to monitor the situation and will update this page with rolling developments.
John Boehner’s Successor
At a cost of preventing a government shutdown, Republicans will have to reshuffle their leadership due to Boehner’s resignation. Yesterday, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-23) officially announced his intention to be the next Speaker of the House. McCarthy has been a member of the House leadership since 2009, and was elected majority leader in 2014. In an email to his Republican colleagues, McCarthy advocated to “lead the fight” for conservative principles, while healing the divisions that exist within their party. Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL-8) has also put his name in the hat for the House Speakership.
Georgia Congressman Tom Price is expected to run for House Majority Leader. Other names at play for the number two spot in GOP leadership include: Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5), Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX-32), and current Majority Whip, Steve Scalise (R-LA-1).
You may find more information on Speaker Boehner’s resignation here.
Ronny Lau, Legislative Policy Advisor, Center for Advocacy, Policy, and Constituency Engagement, September 29, 2015. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org).
