Yavapai News

Arizona Rep. Eli Crane expressed his disappointment over the passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown, characterizing it as a failure. Crane pointed out the country's growing debt, stating, "And now we're $33 trillion in debt. Congress has failed the American people."

The CR, a short-term funding bill, was agreed upon by House Republicans and Democrats. The Senate voted to pass the CR with just three hours remaining before a potential shutdown, ensuring that the government will remain open for the next 45 days. However, the 71-page bill does not include new financial assistance for Ukraine.

Recent disagreements among lawmakers have centered around spending levels and the allocation of additional aid to Ukraine. The United States has already provided over $111 billion in aid to Ukraine, leading to criticism of the Biden Administration's funding decisions. President Biden had requested an additional $24 billion for Ukraine, which, if approved, would bring the total aid to $135 billion.

Continuing Resolutions have been enacted numerous times since 1998, with an average of 137 days per year spent under CRs. In 2011 alone, the government operated under a CR for the entire year.

Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs criticized House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for siding with Democrats in passing the CR. Biggs stated, "Instead of siding with his own party today, Kevin McCarthy sided with 209 Democrats to push through a continuing resolution that maintains the Biden-Pelosi-Schumer spending levels and policies." Biggs questioned whether McCarthy should remain Speaker of the House.

Despite the passage of the CR, Crane and other lawmakers believe that Congress has failed to address the country's growing debt and provide necessary funding for key priorities.