Senate passes short-term spending bill, House Speaker Ryan says it might not be enough time
The Senate can act fast when something like a long holiday recess is at stake, so it acted quickly Thursday to pass a new short-term spending bill to run through December 16. Current funding runs out this Friday at midnight, unless this short-term bill is enacted. Their motive in moving so quickly is depressingly typical.
Senators had been expected to take up the legislation Friday after the House. By passing it on Thursday, senators will be able to skip out of Washington a day early.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) suggested earlier Thursday that the Senate would be able to pass the short-term spending bill by either a voice vote or by unanimous consent.
Asked whether senators would need to come back tomorrow to vote on the short-term bill, Cornyn added, "I don't think anybody — that would be sort of a meaningless act."
It actually does help House Speaker Paul Ryan out, in the event his problem children in the Freedom Caucus decide they want to oppose this short-term bill to force their agenda. With Senate out of town, they would be creating a shutdown. They don't seem to be ready or wiling to do that just yet, so that gives Ryan and negotiators room over the weekend to try to break what was described as stalled as of Thursday afternoon.
Given that, Ryan is saying that it's possible they won't have work done by Wednesday of next week, and could be in the entire of next week pushing Congress uncomfortably close to their holiday. Ryan appears to be in no hurry, giving the impression that he's allowing his rank-and-file to do their bit before he steps in and inks the deal. Likewise, Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi isn't in any hurry—she's got time and a presidential veto on her side.
As of now, there are a few things that seem certain. In return for Democrats agreeing to lift the ban on U.S. oil exports, Republicans won't include their environmental policy riders. There will probably be reforms to the visa waiver program rather than the halting of the Syrian and Iraqi refugee program. Republicans will drop their big gift to the National Rifle Association—a proposal to allow convicted felons to own firearms, but that means no prohibition of guns to people on the terrorist watch list.
Stay tuned, because as usual, the Republican Congress is sure to come up with some very special holiday surprises. After they take off their weekend, that is.