The Senate approved a short-term spending bill that would fund several departments through February to avert a looming partial government shutdown.
The bill, passed by a voice vote, funds nine Cabinet-level departments and numerous agencies through February 8.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell put the legislation forward after President Trump’s demand for border wall funding would’ve all but assured a partial government shutdown.
“We don’t want to end this year the way we began it, with another government shutdown,” McConnell said.
Despite the White House signaling this week that the president would like to avert a partial government shutdown, last week Trump said he would be “proud” to have one over funding for the border wall.
The bill now heads to the House.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the Senate will remain in session Thursday. "We have to see what the House does," he said. It was unclear how many House members would return to Washington for votes after Republicans lost the majority in the midterm election. Some 70 members missed Wednesday's session, almost as many Democrats as Republicans.
The measure passed by the Senate does provide a total of $1.6 billion for border security and funds other agencies at current levels through Feb. 8, more than a month after the new Congress is sworn in. (FoxNews.com)
Rep. Mark Meadows, leader of the House Freedom Caucus, said if the president chooses to veto the legislation his supporters will back him.
“Mr. President, we’re going to back you up," Meadows said in a statement. "If you veto this bill we’ll be there. But more importantly the American people will be there. They’ll be there to support you. Let’s build the wall and make sure that we do our job in Congress."
He went on to say the legislation would be both a Christmas and Valentine's Day gift to Democrats.
Punting to Feb. 8 on a CR not only gives Democrats a Christmas present, it offers them a Valentine’s Day gift. Democrats will win, the wall will not be built, and Congress will once again have punted when we should’ve been taking a stand. The time to fight is now. Zero excuse.
— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) December 19, 2018