The Senate quickly followed the House Friday by passing an ongoing resolution that would fund the federal government until Dec. 21 and temporarily prevent a partial shutdown if the bill is signed by President Trump before midnight.
Why it matters: The 48-hour emergency shutdown would also give lawmakers the weekend to resolve outstanding issues with a $ 900 billion coronavirus relief package and a $ 1.4 trillion long-term spending deal.
Context: This is the second ongoing resolution that Congress must pass this month, as lawmakers have been unable to compromise. The first passed last week.
- But congressional leaders set Friday’s deadline and stayed past to resolve their disagreements, even as lawmakers have said for days that they were nearing a deal.
The big picture: Stimulus negotiations were hampered Friday by a debate over the Federal Reserve’s powers to issue emergency loans.
- Some Republicans, including Sen. Patrick Toomey (Pa.), Want to reduce the Fed’s emergency credit programs as part of a stimulus deal, while Democrats fear the GOP is trying to reduce the Fed’s authority before the Biden administration takes over.
Lawmakers too disagree on the proposed $ 600 direct payments to Americans as part of the stimulus bill.
What to watch: House majority leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) Said the chamber would not hold votes on legislation until Sunday afternoon.