The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through early next year. Much like the situation during the House of Representatives vote on Tuesday, Alabama’s senators were at odds, with Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) voting in favor of the continuing resolution and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) voting against it.
The resolution set Jan. 19, 2024, as the funding deadline for four appropriations bills and Feb. 2, 2024, as the deadline for the remaining eight.
Britt said she voted for the stop-gap measure to support critical workers and not to add the burden of a potential government shutdown during the holiday season.
“This measure, which was drafted by House Republicans, will ensure that Americans don’t see an interruption in critical government services — and our troops, border patrol agents, ICE officers, and Capitol Police will continue to be paid,” she said.
Today, I joined my Senate colleagues in passing a commonsense Continuing Resolution that will prevent a Christmas season omnibus and ensure our men and women in uniform continue to be paid.
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) November 16, 2023
See my full statement⬇️ pic.twitter.com/oBM4Bp1ry3
“Growing up outside the gates of Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass, I saw firsthand the tremendous sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and the sacrifice made by their families,” Britt said. “Those who give so much in service to our nation should not have to spend Thanksgiving being worried about whether or not their next paycheck will be here or their Christmas season wondering how they’ll put presents under the tree.”
She added, “This Continuing Resolution gives Congress the time to keep working to move all 12 appropriations bills in a transparent, accountable, and responsible manner. Let’s do our job and complete the critical work on behalf of the American people.”
1819 News reached out to Tuberville's office for comment Wednesday evening but did not receive a response.
The resolution, which passed 87-11, will now go to the president’s desk to be signed before the funding deadline expires Saturday.
According to NBC News, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) said that when the Senate returns from its Thanksgiving recess, it will begin drafting a supplemental measure to provide funding for the ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine.
To connect with the story’s author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com.
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