American lawmakers face the challenge of approving the budget

2023-09-07 16:11:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

US lawmakers, who returned from their month-long summer break on Tuesday, face a number of high-priority issues. With battles looming over US aid to Ukraine and the possibility of an investigation into President Joe Biden, the main concern remains funding the US government to avoid a partial shutdown on October 1.

Given that US government funding runs out on September 30, there is little chance that the Republican-majority House of Representatives and the Democratic-controlled Senate will agree to pass a full year's budget.

"Time is short and the only way to avoid a government shutdown is bipartisan cooperation in the House and Senate. House Republicans have their first chance to show their commitment to bipartisan cooperation," the majority leader said. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is facing criticism from conservative members of his own party for reaching a deal earlier this year to raise the debt ceiling. He has said a short-term bill to keep the government open should be passed to give Republicans more time to negotiate government spending levels.

"They're facing tough negotiations and debates within their party. That's really a tough challenge. And I don't know if that's a sign of long-term dysfunction. I think that's a consequence of the very small majority of Republicans in the House of Representatives," says Michael Thorning of the Bipartisan Policy Center.

US lawmakers will also debate an additional $40 billion in funding announced by the Biden administration over the summer recess, which includes $21 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Some conservative lawmakers have threatened to block aid to Ukraine.

"Of course, I'm concerned that there is a cooling of the Republicans in the House of Representatives on the support of Ukraine. "This is the worst possible time to suggest that there is a split in the United States over continued support for Ukraine as it makes progress on the battlefield," said Democratic Senator Chris Murphy.

Attention has focused on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican who is a strong supporter of US aid to Ukraine, after he suffered another health concern during the summer recess. He was blocked during a press conference in Kentucky. But Mr McConnell played down concerns about his health on Tuesday during a speech on the Senate floor.

"I had a special moment while I was in my home state that got the attention of the press last week, but I can assure you that August was a busy and productive month for me," he said.

The US Senate doctor said there was no evidence that a stroke or neurological blockage caused Mr McConnell to freeze. Most Senate Republicans say they are still confident in his ability to lead.

"I don't know if anyone has a responsibility to release all their medical documents, but we see our leader on how he is able to manage our group. And it's very clear that he's been able to raise funds, help people win elections, lead us on important policy issues," said Republican Senator Mitt Romney.

US lawmakers will also debate the massive annual National Defense authorization after clashes over competing versions of the $886 billion legislation earlier this summer./ VOA