U.S. Senate Votes to Avert Government Shutdown – West Virginia Senators Capito and Manchin Support Continuing Resolution

The U.S. Senate has once again averted a government shutdown with a vote on a continuing resolution. West Virginia Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin both voted in favor of the resolution, which extends funding for different federal agencies until January 19 and February 2.

Capito emphasized the importance of funding the government and keeping it open, stating that it is a priority for lawmakers. She also highlighted the need to pass all appropriations bills through regular order to ensure long-term funding stability.

Manchin echoed similar sentiments, expressing the need to move beyond short-term spending plans and address important issues such as border security, support for Ukraine, aid to Israel, and fiscal responsibility.

In the House of Representatives, the continuing resolution passed with a majority vote, with more Democrats than Republicans supporting the measure. West Virginia representatives Carol Miller and Alex Mooney had differing views on the bill, with Miller voting in favor and emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation, while Mooney opposed it, advocating for longer-term funding solutions through individual allocations bills.

Mooney criticized the stopgap measure, stating that it only delays the inevitable need to pass full-year spending bills. He emphasized the importance of taking action to ensure fiscal stability and proper funding for federal agencies.

The vote in both chambers reflects the ongoing challenges in reaching consensus on federal funding and the need for lawmakers to work together to address critical issues facing the country.