House Passes Two More Bills to Fund Parts of Gov't

The House on Friday passed two more narrow appropriations bills to fund parts of the government during the government shutdown. The Senate, which Democrats lead, has rejected five previous bills that were similar. 

According to The Hill, the House “passed resolutions to fund the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).”

Though most Democrats oppose funding the government with piecemeal bills, 23 Democrats joined with House Republicans to fund FEMA and 22 Democrats voted with Republicans to fund the programs. Senate Democrats have rejected the piecemeal bills in order to put pressure on the House to adopt a so-called “clean” short-term resolution with no attachments. 

Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) said it was “utterly shameful” for the White House to be pleased “the government has shut down and is happy to see this continue, so long as it is politically detrimental to Republicans and thus, beneficial for them.”

“Since the lapse in appropriations began, Republicans have voted every single day to reauthorize funding for critical institutions of the federal government,” Price said. “Instead of building upon those areas where we agree, Senate Democrats are stonewalling the legislative process by refusing to even debate the bills we pass and sit idly by as Americans continue to suffer.”

The House, which has passed similar resolutions to fund the National Institutes of Health, the National Guard, veterans benefits, and national parks, is reportedly scheduled to next “consider a bill offering furloughed workers back pay once the shutdown ends.”