In the crucial hours leading up to a potential government shutdown, Senate Democrats are locked in a critical debate over whether to approve a temporary funding resolution passed by the House, which many members of their party regard as significantly flawed.
The Hill reported that with government funding poised to lapse at midnight on Saturday, Senate Democrats are weighing the ramifications of endorsing a contentious stopgap measure to prevent blame for a shutdown.
The funding legislation, which found passage in the House by a razor-thin margin of 217-213 votes, faced criticism from Senate Democrats for what they perceive as a skewed emphasis on increasing defense spending while slashing essential social programs.
The resolution proposes a $6 billion boost in defense funds and increases for border security while paring down non-defense spending by $13 billion.
There is a palpable concern among the Democratic senators regarding the optics of blocking the bill and its potential to trigger a prolonged shutdown.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) conveyed his apprehension about the possible "chaos" that could arise from such actions, emphasizing his reluctance to support a scenario that might lead to a government halt. Fetterman stated his position clearly, "I'm not going [to] vote or withhold my vote that's going to shut down the government."
As the debate unfolded, the internal dialog among Senate Democrats became increasingly apparent. Those hailing from swing states are acutely sensitive to the impact a shutdown might have, recognizing the precariousness of their electoral positions.
The stakes are particularly high as Senate Republicans, controlling 53 seats, need cooperation from at least eight Democratic senators to navigate any Democratic filibuster attempt.
Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), while expressing a shared unease, highlighted the unusual political environment surrounding the shutdown debate. He voiced concerns over broader implications, fearing some lawmakers might view a fiscal halt as an advantageous political maneuver.
"This isn't normal," he noted, pointing to the dangerous territory that a prolonged shutdown might usher in.
Fears among Senate Democrats extend beyond the nation's capital. They are also watching potential financial repercussions affecting national programs and economic stability.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) criticized the resolution for lacking a bipartisan foundation and cautioned against the possible societal turmoil it might incite. He pointed out the existing Republican control over both chambers and painted a grim picture of current governmental dynamics contributing to tension.
Internally, Senate Democrats are far from a consensus, with some still pondering their perspective on the stopgap measure. A
n unnamed Democratic senator acknowledged the dichotomy plaguing their discussions: "The conversation today was divided. There are a lot of people who haven’t made a decision." Despite the assessment of the House bill as a "terrible bill," there remains a compelling argument that its passage is the lesser evil compared to the fallout from a shutdown.
Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) has been vocal in condemning the offering, urging for more responsible and considered legislative efforts. Her candid assessment dubbed the House-proposed measure "a dumpster fire."
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has called attention to the approaching fiscal cliff. He laid responsibility for any government cessation at the feet of the Democrats should the bill not advance.
"Without action from Congress, the government will run out of funding come Friday," he asserted, implying that delays could be laid at the party's doorstep.
Despite the discouraging evaluation of the bill, Senate Democrats are conscious of the electoral and practical ramifications a shutdown would entail. They are apprehensive that rejecting the bill could lead to being perceived as orchestrating governmental dysfunction, which could have dire political consequences.
Within their deliberations, Senate Democrats have confronted unflattering evaluations of the funding resolution's contents. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) labeled it candidly, citing reductions in areas such as veterans' facilities and food safety amidst health concerns, like the avian flu outbreak.
Yet, the looming menace of a shutdown might ultimately compel some Democrats to consider supporting the measure, albeit reluctantly.
At the national level, the possibility of chaotic administrative repercussions seems to dominate the Senate's conversations. Fetterman admonished against any move perceived as reckless, echoing concerns that "burn[ing] the village down to save it" could backfire disastrously.
