– Key elements of the story:
1. Approval of a bill by Congress to prevent government shutdown until mid-November.
2. No inclusion of Ukraine aid in the bill despite bipartisan support.
3. The bipartisan 88-9 vote in the U.S. Senate just hours before the deadline.
4. Promise of a separate vote on Ukraine aid at a later date.
Bill Approved to Prevent Government Shutdown
In a move that has diffused the impending governmental crisis, Congress has approved a bill that prevents a government shutdown, at least until the middle of next month. The announcement came just in time, hours before the midnight deadline that would have resulted in the government having to cease operations due to lack of funding.
No Aid for Ukraine in Shutdown Bill
Despite the urgency and bipartisan support, aid for Ukraine was noticeably absent from the shutdown bill. This omission came as a surprise to many, given that both Republicans and Democrats had previously expressed backing for the inclusion of Ukraine aid. Nevertheless, the bill managed to avoid a government shutdown when the Senate voted 88-9, displaying impressive bipartisan unity.
Vote on Ukraine Aid Postponed
Promises were made on the Senate floor that a separate vote concerning aid for Ukraine would happen at a later date. This commitment at least provides the reassurance that the issue of Ukraine aid has not been altogether forgotten amidst the scramble to avoid a government shutdown.
The Breezy Take
The approval of the bill to prevent government closure was a significant move that displayed notable bipartisan agreement. However, the puzzling omission of Ukraine aid, despite bipartisan endorsement, adds an element of suspense. We’re left in anticipation for the promised separate vote on Ukraine aid, and one can only hope that the spirit of bipartisan unity will prevail at that time as well. This recent move exhibits the complexity of the congressional dance: mastering the tightrope walk of crisis management while maintaining international relations.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/30/congress-clears-bill-to-avert-shutdown-with-vote-promised-later-on-ukraine-aid/