Congress Averts Shutdown, but 'SAVE Act' Remains in Limbo

Despite bipartisan support for a government funding agreement, the SAVE Act, which would provide emergency funding for Superfund cleanup sites, has been excluded from the bill, leaving Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) concerned.

In a move to avoid a government shutdown, House GOP leaders are poised to skirt Republican opposition and pass a bipartisan funding agreement, excluding the SAVE Act, a measure that would provide emergency funding for Superfund cleanup sites.

The short-term funding extension, known as a continuing resolution (CR), will extend this year's government funding through December 20, providing Congress with more time to negotiate spending priorities for fiscal year 2025.

Congress Averts Shutdown, but 'SAVE Act' Remains in Limbo

However, the CR has faced opposition from some Republicans, including members of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, who argue that it is an unnecessary extension of government bloat.

To circumvent Republican opposition, House GOP leaders are likely to put the measure up for a vote under suspension of the rules, meaning it forgoes the House-wide rule vote in exchange for raising the threshold for passage from a simple majority to two-thirds of the chamber.

Congress Averts Shutdown, but 'SAVE Act' Remains in Limbo

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is expected to need Democratic votes to pass his December CR, as dozens of Republicans have voted against such measures in the past.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), who supports the SAVE Act, expressed concern over the exclusion of the measure in the funding agreement. "Americans should be worried about it," he said. "We've got a lot of Superfund sites that need to be cleaned up."

Congress Averts Shutdown, but 'SAVE Act' Remains in Limbo

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), a member of the House Freedom Caucus, predicted the bill's failure in a procedural hurdle. He and other conservatives voiced concerns about the possibility of an end-of-year "omnibus" spending bill, which wraps all 12 annual appropriations bills into a massive vehicle.

House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.) defended Speaker Johnson, stating that he trusts him not to pursue an omnibus.

Congress Averts Shutdown, but 'SAVE Act' Remains in Limbo

Johnson has promised lawmakers they will not be forced to vote on an end-of-year omnibus spending bill, but many remain skeptical.

Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) criticized the suspension of the rules, calling it "not the way to run a railroad."

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) acknowledged the difficult position Johnson is in. "Speaker Johnson's on the spot," he said. "He has to do what he has to do."

The CR is likely to gain a vote on Wednesday, with Democratic support expected to carry the measure through.