As the deadline to enact appropriations bills approaches, the House has was presented with H.W. 9494 by the Speaker to extend funding for government agencies for an additional six months.  The bill was regarded by the White House as being deficient in funding both military expenditures and providing for adequate disaster relief for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Members of the Freedom Caucus indicated that they would not support the Bill given provisions for expenditures that they consider excessive or conflict with their principles of fiscal restraint.

A provision in the bill  required proof of citizenship to be eligible to vote with the prospect of disqualification of some bone fide citizens.  The White House maintains that there is little or no evidence of voting by non-citizens, a crime punishable by federal law.

Given bipartisan dissatisfaction the Bill was tabled, leaving future funding in limbo.

Congress should place the good of the nation before partisan issues and cease brinkmanship.  Funding of federal agencies through figuratively ‘kicking the can down the road’ in a series of continuing resolutions is certainly no way to create an environment for future planning and effective government.