Peace Garden News

The United States Senate has passed a continuing resolution (CR) by a 54 to 46 vote, extending government funding through September 30. The House of Representatives approved the measure earlier in the week with a close vote of 217 to 213.

Following the Senate's approval, Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota expressed his views on the legislative development. He stated: “Despite Democrats fanning the flames of a government shutdown, both chambers worked with President Trump to pass this funding bill. This legislation makes the best of a bad situation by providing a much-needed boost to our defense and homeland security accounts and a substantial pay raise for junior enlisted troops. This is not the way to piece together a budget. Despite the Appropriations Committee passing nearly every full-year funding bill last July, Senator Schumer sat on them, leading to a logjam halfway through the fiscal year. It’s time to put Fiscal Year 2025 in the rearview mirror and I appreciate Leader Thune’s commitment to make funding the government through regular order a top priority.”

The resolution aims to prevent an expensive government shutdown while maintaining essential services without increasing overall spending. It ensures full funding for veterans' healthcare services and benefits, boosts defense investments, and grants junior enlisted troops their largest pay raise in over four decades.

Additionally, it supports federal wildland firefighters in their efforts to protect communities and public lands. The CR also secures Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients from potential disruptions caused by a shutdown.

The measure increases air traffic control funding compared to Fiscal Year 2024 levels and fully funds nutrition assistance programs for mothers, infants, and children with an increase exceeding $500 million as requested by President Trump's administration. Finally, it maintains a clean CR free from controversial amendments or "poison pills."