Capping a day of uncertainty about a lack of funding that could force a government shutdown, Senate Appropriations Committee chair, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., floated the idea of short-term measure lasting until February, The Hill reported.
It was one of several ideas being pitched as Congress approaches a Friday night deadline to fund 25 percent of government amid wrangling over President Donald Trump's demand for border wall funding.
Shelby told reporters earlier in the day his preference would be to pass a package of the regular spending bills, which have been crafted by the Appropriations Committee for fiscal year 2019.
But a short-term funding measure might be necessary to avoid a partial government shutdown starting Saturday if there is no deal on federal spending and border security, The Hill reported.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said his preference is to fund federal departments and agencies for the full year, The Hill reported.
"If we end up going with a relatively short-term [continuing resolution], we will end up, in effect, punting this year's business into next year. I think it's not a very desirable outcome," McConnell said, The Hill reported.
Yet, Senate Minorit Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said a short-term funding bill would be "something we'd very seriously consider," The Hill reported.
Senate Republican Conference head Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., described the stopgap spending bill, also known as a continuing resolution, as a fallback option.
"I think we're kind of at an impasse, and the question is then is the fallback a CR," he said, The Hill reported. "It's a possibility – last resort obviously."
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