Congress has until the end of this week to approve 12 appropriations bills to keep the government running or risk a shutdown. So far, Republicans in the House of Representatives have been arguing over more spending cuts, and some have refused to vote for a continuing resolution to extend the deadline and keep the government afloat while negotiations continue.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said back in August that he anticipated “a lot of work” ahead in getting the bills approved and that a continuing resolution would be likely. That was before U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and others said they would not vote for one.
However continuous the negotiations may be, Aderholt told 1819 News that it’s all part of the process.
“It’s all very fluid right now,” Aderholt said Sunday. “The goal is to get all 12 bills done and cut spending in a meaningful way. While the process may not always be pretty, it’s the fight that matters. We’re fighting to turn this ship and get government back under control.”
It remains to be seen whether an agreement on appropriations can be reached before the September 30 deadline, and with hold-out Republicans leveraging for controversial cuts, a shutdown grows more likely with each passing day.
According to TIME magazine, the last government shutdown occurred from December 2018 to January 2019 and lasted 35 days, the longest in U.S. history.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com.
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