Congressman Fred Upton is still expecting a government shutdown to be avoided at the end of the month with a continuing budget resolution, but says the Senate leadership is really cutting it close. The government will shut down if congressional leaders don’t establish a spending agreement that maintains current levels with only a few changes. Upton says pulling that off is proving tricky.
“Everyone knows that this bill needs to pass,” Upton said. “We don’t want a government shutdown. So, if anyone has a specific project that they think they might be able to get attached, this is a bill to actually get it enacted into law. so you’ve got a lot of wannabe hands waiving to the leaders.”
Upton says he does still expect a deal next week.
“But there are some who want a shutdown. So, you’ve got to thread the needle, as they say.”
Congress will be working on an abbreviated schedule next week. Upton expects things like aid to Ukraine and continued free COVID vaccines will ultimately be included in any deal.
