Democrats propose conflicting Continuing Resolution drafts incorporating energy and environmental provisions
In a bid to prevent the Trump administration from rescinding congressionally approved funds, Congressional Democrats have unveiled a new bill to extend government funding. This counterproposal comes days before the October 1 funding deadline, setting the stage for a potential impasse between the two parties.
The Democratic Continuing Resolution (CR) proposes to keep federal agencies and programs running through October 31, contrasting with the Republicans' bill, which extends funding until November 21. The shorter Democratic CR omits Democratic priorities included in the Republican-drafted bill.
The Democratic CR includes provisions to push back on the Trump administration's funding freezes and maintain funding levels for certain programs in agencies like NOAA and the Department of Energy. It also extends the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's authorities to accept contributions for environmental and technical work for one year.
One notable addition to the bill is a provision requiring the Department of Energy (DOE) to meet legal obligations to complete the hot commissioning facility at the Hanford nuclear cleanup site in Washington. The bill also extends certain seemingly minor provisions expiring at the end of the month, such as a program for states allowing electric vehicles to travel in high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
The bill includes a section that would require the administration to spend funds for the DOE as appropriators directed in the fiscal 2024 spending bill for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Office of Electricity; Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management; and Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response. It also gives NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation more flexibility to spend or award certain funds, including for maintaining facilities and scientific awards.
On the Republican side, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expects the House to vote on the Republican bill before the end of the week. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) hopes to reach bipartisan compromise on three fiscal 2026 appropriations bills (Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs) by the end of the month.
However, Senate Democrats have stated they will not provide the votes needed for the passage of the Republican bill, even though the Senate could shorten a scheduled recess next week to vote on the bill. Republican leaders have signaled they will reject the Democratic counteroffer.
The stalemate over the funding bill could have significant implications for federal agencies and programs, potentially leading to a government shutdown if a resolution is not reached before the deadline. The two parties are now in a race against time to find a compromise and avoid a shutdown.
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