Congress again races to avoid shutdown as key vote at risk of failing

The Senate is slated to take a key vote Tuesday to take up government funding that is at risk of failing over a deal cut by West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin that has come under sharp criticism from Republicans and liberals – pushback that could be enough to sink the vote and push Congress to the brink of a shutdown.

Lawmakers are still expected to pass a short-term funding extension by week’s end, but they will likely run right up against the deadline of Friday at midnight when funding expires.

The Senate is on track for a vote Tuesday evening on whether to start debate on a measure to extend funding, but an effort to attach a permitting reform proposal from Manchin has put the vote in jeopardy.

Senators released the legislative text of the stop-gap funding bill overnight.

In addition to money to keep government agencies afloat, it provides around $12 billion for Ukraine as it continues to face Russian military attack, and would require the Pentagon to report on how US dollars have been spent there. The aid to Ukraine is a bipartisan priority and lawmakers are also eager to finish work on government funding to return home ahead of high-stakes November midterm elections.

The continuing resolution also would extend an expiring FDA user fee program for five years.