Bipartisan Senators Focus on Averting Government Shutdown, Setting Up Clash With House

Senators expect to complete the appropriations process this month to avoid a government shutdown, setting up a clash with the House.

(Left) Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks on the Senate floor at the Capitol in Washington on May 25, 2022. (Right) Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) speaks on the Senate floor at the Capitol in Washington on May 25, 2022. Senate Television via AP

Senate leaders from both parties said they will pass all 12 appropriations bills by the end of the month to avoid a government shutdown, setting up a clash with the House where hardline Republicans have spoken openly about forcing a suspension of nonessential government functions to press for further cuts in federal spending.

In separate press conferences on Capitol Hill on Sept. 6, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) appealed for senators to continue working in “regular order” to complete the appropriations process on time.