If, as expected, Republicans win control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the November 8 midterm elections, unfinished business will still be left for the Pelosi-led lame-duck House.
Government funding is set to expire in December, meaning Democrats will have at least one last major act before Republicans take over in 2023.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) urges vigilance from Republicans during that process.
During an appearance on Wednesday's broadcast of Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show," Aderholt explained how despite a perception Congress takes the month of December off, that wasn't necessarily the case.
"Most people think we're out for Christmas for this long holiday vacation," Aderholt said. "Usually, December is one of our busiest months because we come back after we're out for Thanksgiving, and we come back in the first part of December, and we usually have these appropriation bills that are right there facing us because we've usually punted them down the field on into the fall because of elections or whatever the case may be. And so, we have all of these appropriations bills, this year being a prime example of that.
"I remember it not being unusual several days before Christmas, we're still in Washington. So, this year is another example of that. We will be there, I'm sure, right up a few days before Christmas because we have this end of government funding. The funding ends around [December 15]. I don't remember the exact day. I don't recall offhand — around the 15th of December. And so, that's 10 days before Christmas. Therefore, we will probably push it up right to the 15th. Then when the 15th comes, there will be some last-minute negotiations. I would expect we'll be there probably — if we get out a week before Christmas, that will be very good."
Given that task will be on the agenda for Congress, Aderholt insisted he and his Republican colleagues not give in to Democrats for the sake of passing those spending bills.
"We've got to get our appropriation bills done," Aderholt added. "If we Republicans do take control of the House and Senate, we've got to be very careful in making sure we don't capitulate to the Democrats and just let them go ahead and run out the clock and do what they want to. We can always push those bills to after the first of the year, wait until we have the majority, and then pass the appropriation bills. That's not the ideal thing. You want to go ahead and get them passed before the new year starts, before the new Congress starts, because you're already starting in your new appropriation year already, and you've already got the last year's appropriation still hanging over your head.
"It doesn't make for a good combination, so if you get them finished, that's always the best plan. However, I'm of the opinion we don't just do whatever Democrats want to do just to get the bills passed. And so, I think we have to be very careful in making sure we — we won't be able to get everything, but I think we need to realize we can't just throw in the towel and say we're going to give the Democrats everything just so we can get these bills off the table."
Jeff Poor is the executive editor of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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