Iowa’s six congressional delegation members are closely monitoring the impending vote on a critical bill aimed at extending government funding and preventing a potential government shutdown. Concerns have been raised by six members regarding the contents of a 1,500-page continuous resolution.
During his weekly media availability, United States Senator Chuck Grassley expressed his concerns regarding the possibility of a government shutdown.
“I do not wish to see a government shutdown.” Experts predict that a government shutdown is unlikely, with strong confidence that such an event will not occur during the upcoming vote in the United States Senate. “I understand that the situation is somewhat tighter in the House of Representatives, but that’s the reality we are facing,” stated Grassley (R). The Senate is currently anticipating the release of a funding bill from the U.S. House of Representatives.
On Wednesday, Republican house lawmakers engaged in discussions regarding a substantial bill that encompasses $10 billion in direct payments to farmers, $21 billion in agriculture disaster aid, a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, and provisions for year-round E-15 fuel availability.
An accessible playground is set to be established at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. According to a statement from Congressman Zach Nunn’s office to WHO 13 News, there are sections of the bill that receive his support. However, the extensive 1,500-page legislation contains elements that have caused frustration among him and other lawmakers, particularly the clause that proposes an increase in pay for elected officials.
Senator Joni Ernst took to social media on Wednesday to voice her discontent regarding the recently introduced bill.
“In a scathing critique, Ernst stated that Congress deserves a lump of coal for its failure to fulfill its responsibilities, prioritizing special interests over the needs of taxpayers,” the report noted. In a recent statement, Senator Ernst expressed her backing for Iowa farmers, emphasizing that the farm bill should not be compromised by the extensive spending package.
As the Friday deadline approaches, the possibility of a federal government shutdown looms large. If a resolution is not passed, certain functions of the government will cease operations starting Saturday.
