Milwaukee City Wire

On October 5, 2023, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, along with 12 of his Republican Senate colleagues, joined together in urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to keep the U.S. Senate in session until all 12 appropriations bills have been debated and passed. This call comes after Congress recently averted a shutdown and set a November 17 deadline for a new spending agreement.

In their letter to Senator Schumer, the senators emphasized the importance of completing the appropriations work before the deadline. They stated, "We urge you to modify the Senate calendar so that we remain in session Monday through Friday every week until all 12 fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills are passed in the Senate and House and signed into law by President Biden. That is what the American people expect and deserve of us."

The senators noted that the continuing resolution extended government funding until November 17, providing a seven-week window for the Senate to consider the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. They stressed the need for continuous work, stating, "The past nine weeks make it clear that we cannot afford to take a weekday off, much less a weeklong recess, with so much work to be completed in such a condensed time."

Joining Senator Johnson and Senator Ricketts on this letter are Senators Deb Fischer, John Barrasso, M.D., Katie Boyd Britt, Ted Budd, John Cornyn, Bill Hagerty, Roger Marshall, M.D., Markwayne Mullin, Rick Scott, Eric Schmitt, John Thune, and Roger Wicker.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

This effort by Senator Johnson and his colleagues demonstrates their commitment to fulfilling their legislative responsibilities and meeting the expectations of the American people. As the Senate faces a tight deadline for passing the appropriations bills, these senators are advocating for the Senate to remain in session until the work is completed.

Keeping the Senate in session until all spending bills are debated and passed is crucial for the efficient functioning of the government and ensuring the necessary funds are allocated appropriately. The senators are urging their colleagues to prioritize this important task and make the necessary adjustments to the Senate calendar.

As the Senate majority leader, Senator Schumer now faces the decision of whether to heed the call of Senator Johnson and his colleagues. The outcome of this request will have significant implications for the progress of the appropriations bills and the government's ability to meet its funding obligations.

With the November 17 deadline looming, it is imperative that the Senate remains focused on the task at hand. The American people deserve a government that is diligent in its responsibilities and accountable for its actions. Senator Johnson and his colleagues are standing up for these principles, urging their Senate colleagues to join them in their commitment to getting the appropriations bills debated and passed.

The ball is now in Senator Schumer's court, and the American people will be watching closely to see how he responds to this call to action.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/10/sen-johnson-joins-colleagues-in-call-to-keep-senate-in-session-until-all-spending-bills-get-debated-and-passed