House Republicans narrowly pass a short-term funding measure to keep the government open but exclude a provision to protect Social Security benefits, prompting worries from some lawmakers.
Congress has taken a significant step toward averting a partial government shutdown just weeks before the crucial midterm elections. However, the bipartisan funding agreement approved by the House of Representatives contains a glaring omission: the Social Security Administration's (SSA) SAVE Act.
The SAVE Act, which stands for Social Security Administration's Vital Expansion, is a critical piece of legislation that seeks to address the agency's escalating challenges. These challenges include an acute shortage of staff and outdated technology, which have been hampering the SSA's ability to provide timely and efficient services to beneficiaries.
Congress Reaches Funding Agreement Without SAVE Act, Raising Concerns
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), a vocal proponent of the SAVE Act, expressed deep concern about its exclusion from the funding agreement. "Americans should be worried about it," he told reporters. "This is a bill that has bipartisan support and would help the Social Security Administration do its job better. It's a shame that it's not included in this agreement."
The House passed the short-term funding extension by a vote of 341 to 82, with 132 Republicans and all but eight Democrats supporting the measure. Despite the bipartisan support, a significant number of Republicans opposed the extension out of frustration with House GOP leadership's handling of last year's federal funding bills.
Congress Reaches Funding Agreement Without SAVE Act, Raising Concerns
However, the omission of the SAVE Act has drawn the ire of many lawmakers, including House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), who predicted that its absence will lead to an end-of-year "omnibus" spending bill filled with undesirable provisions. "I think that's the preview of coming attractions, unfortunately," he said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has repeatedly vowed to avoid an omnibus in December, stating, "There won't be a Christmas omnibus. Somebody asked me in the hallway a little while ago, 'Will there be mini-buses?' We don't want any buses. We're not going to do any buses."
Congress Reaches Funding Agreement Without SAVE Act, Raising Concerns
Meanwhile, allies of former President Trump have called for a CR extension into the new year, hoping he will win the White House and have Congress follow suit. House GOP leadership has suggested that a CR extension into December is more likely, a move that would align with Johnson's original plan for a more conservative CR.
However, the initial plan failed after a rebellion by 14 Republicans, including defense hawks and fiscal conservatives. The new plan is a more straightforward funding extension, although it includes an additional $231 million for the U.S. Secret Service following two thwarted assassination attempts against Trump.
Congress Reaches Funding Agreement Without SAVE Act, Raising Concerns
The Biden administration and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have signaled support for the recent funding deal. The Senate is expected to consider the bill on Thursday, after which it will be sent to President Biden for his signature.
