Senate Must Pass Stopgap Bill Today or Face Government Shutdown

The Senate must pass a stopgap funding bill today or face a government shutdown starting at midnight. Congress had hoped to finalize the National Defense Authorization Act and vote on the bill earlier this week but have reportedly been unable to due to a series of holdups from both sides. They include efforts by Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who is filibustering the NDAA over an amendment that would limit the president’s ability to withdraw troops from a war zone like Afghanistan. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is also demanding a vote be held for another round of individual stimulus checks. While there are those insisting a vote be held soon, it’s unclear how long this standoff will last, but some predict it will only be a few days. However, it comes as lawmakers are still struggling to reach an agreement over a coronavirus stimulus relief package. The stopgap bill would grant them an additional week to work out any remaining issues which will be crucial for struggling Americans.