Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has endorsed the House GOP's funding plan to prevent a government shutdown, calling it a "responsible measure." However, he emphasized the need for "supplemental resources" to address national security priorities such as aid to Israel and Ukraine. McConnell praised the House GOP's proposal for providing time and space for Congress to complete its funding work. The House GOP's stopgap plan aims to prevent another massive omnibus funding package and keep the government funded through the end of the year, but it rejects the Biden administration's request for aid to Ukraine and Israel.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is proposing a two-step government funding plan to avert a government shutdown. The plan involves a "laddered CR" or continuing resolution, with separate deadlines for different parts of the government. Notably, funding for Israel, Ukraine, or border security is not attached to the must-pass legislation. Some Republicans are skeptical of the proposal, while Democrats have expressed cautious support. The current deadline to pass a plan is November 17th.
House Republicans are pursuing a two-step plan to fund the government, with the first bill extending funding until January 19 and the second bill extending funding until February 2. The plan does not include deep spending cuts but maintains funding at current levels. While some Republican hardliners support the approach, it has been dismissed by many senators as complicated. Democrats have signaled openness to the plan, while the White House criticized it as causing more Republican chaos and shutdowns. If a spending plan is not passed by next Friday, government operations will be affected.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy criticized a short-term Senate government funding bill, expressing concerns that it does not address border security. McCarthy highlighted the declaration of a state of emergency by the governor of Massachusetts and increased spending by New York City on shelter for migrants as evidence of the bill's shortcomings. Lawmakers are racing to reach an agreement on a government funding plan before the weekend deadline to avoid a shutdown. McCarthy also mentioned challenges from within his own party, but expressed hope that a deal will be reached.
The Florida Board of Governors has approved the financing plan for the University of South Florida's new on-campus stadium, which is set to open in fall 2026. The 35,000-seat stadium will host USF football and women's lacrosse, as well as concerts and other events, and is expected to enhance campus culture, serve as a recruiting tool, and raise the university's profile. The estimated cost of the stadium is $340 million, with funding coming from various sources including operating revenues, capital gifts, and proceeds from a 2017 FCC auction. The approval follows a $25 million gift from Tampa General Hospital for the university's athletics district.
A special session has begun in Carson City to discuss the funding plan for the A's stadium, which is planned at the site of the Tropicana Las Vegas Casino Resort on the Strip. The Nevada Legislature will take up the issue after Gov. Joe Lombardo issued a proclamation following last night's special session.
