North Charlotte Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and 16 fellow Republican senators have sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), calling for the U.S. Senate to remain in session until all 12 appropriations bills have been debated and passed to fully fund the government.

The U.S. government narrowly avoided a shutdown on September 30th, setting a deadline for a new spending agreement by November 17th. However, the letter comes as Senator Schumer adjourned the Senate for a state work period beginning on October 5th.

"We urge you to modify the Senate calendar so that we remain in session Monday through Friday every week until all 12 fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills are passed in the Senate and House and signed into law by President Biden," the senators wrote.

The senators emphasized that the House of Representatives has already forgone their October recess, and now the Senate must follow suit. They believe that while important work is done when senators are back in their home states, it is crucial for them to stay in Washington, D.C. until the appropriations work is completed, as that is what the American people expect and deserve.

"The continuing resolution extended government funding until November 17th. That allows seven weeks for the Senate to consider the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. The past nine weeks make it clear that we cannot afford to take a weekday off, much less a weeklong recess, with so much work to be completed in such a condensed time," the senators concluded.

For the full letter, click HERE.