SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
WASHINGTON — Congress faces a looming government shutdown after a Republican stopgap spending bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate on Friday.
The measure would have kept agencies funded until Nov. 21, but failed to secure the 60 votes needed in the Senate. A Democratic alternative, which included an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits and extended funding through Oct. 31, also fell short.
With lawmakers leaving Washington for recess, government funding is set to expire Sept. 30, leaving Alabama’s federal workers, military installations, and families bracing for uncertainty.
What Is Stopgap Spending?
A “stopgap” spending bill, known in Congress as a continuing resolution (CR), is a short-term fix that keeps government agencies operating when lawmakers can’t agree on a full budget. CRs generally extend last year’s funding levels and buy time for more negotiations, but they also create uncertainty for agencies, workers, and states like Alabama that rely heavily on federal programs.
Alabama Impact
A shutdown would hit Alabama hard. Thousands of federal employees at Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Maxwell Air Force Base, and Fort Novosel could face furloughs or delayed pay. Defense projects and space programs may stall, while programs like WIC nutrition assistance could run out of funds, directly affecting Alabama families.
Sewell’s Point of View
Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) opposed the GOP-led bill, citing the exclusion of ACA tax credits that help lower healthcare costs.
Sewell called the stopgap measure an “assault on our health care system” and demanded a full-year budget instead of another patch. Figures added that healthcare remains one of Alabama’s biggest challenges, and short-term bills do little to improve outcomes.
“I want a real budget…create funding for the American people and this government,” Sewell said.
GOP Perspective
Republicans in Alabama’s delegation backed the House CR, stressing the need to keep the government open while longer negotiations continue.
- Rep. Mike Rogers: “We’re talking with the Democrats…that gives me optimism.”
- Rep. Barry Moore: Said the seven-week extension could provide time to finish full-year bills.
- Sen. Tommy Tuberville: Pushed for a “clean CR” without policy riders.
- Sen. Katie Britt: Joined Republicans in rejecting the Democrats’ ACA-focused bill.
What’s Next
The Senate returns Sept. 29, one day before the shutdown deadline. The House will not return until after funding expires, raising the odds that Alabama and the nation could see another disruptive government shutdown.