Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is leveraging the threat of a government shutdown to demand Congress vote on amendments to offset the cost of new spending in a critical short-term funding package. With the clock ticking toward Friday’s deadline, Paul’s ultimatum could delay the continuing resolution (CR), which is expected to fund the government through March 14.
Congressional leaders’ delays in finalizing the CR have handed Paul significant leverage. The House is unlikely to vote on the measure until Wednesday or Thursday, leaving Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) just days to secure unanimous consent in the Senate to avoid a shutdown. But Paul has made his conditions clear.
“I can’t anticipate giving any time of consent to condense time without debate, and debate means amendments. We’ll probably put forward some pay-fors,” said Paul. He singled out green-energy subsidies as potential cuts to offset spending for hurricane disaster relief in North Carolina and other affected states.
“There are some big existing pay-fors, and I think they should be forced to decide: Do you want to help the people in Asheville, or do you want to help green-energy companies, multimillion-dollar companies with subsidies for green energy? There’s about $4 billion out there in that,“
– Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
Incoming Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) warned that the delays could lead to weekend work for the Senate, as frustration builds among conservatives in both chambers who have yet to see the full CR text. The resolution is expected to include new funding for disaster relief, payments to farmers, and other programs that have vocal supporters.
“I don’t know what all kinds of schemes they’re hatching here,” said Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), expressing skepticism about the deal-making process. “I did hear a word of scuttlebutt that the House Republicans aren’t real happy with what the supposed final deal was.”
Johnson urged leaders to avoid excessive spending in the CR, calling for a more straightforward solution: “Do it clean, just clean.”
As the deadline approaches, Paul’s demand for amendments underscores a broader battle over fiscal priorities. While disaster relief for communities like Asheville hangs in the balance, the debate highlights the competing interests of vulnerable populations and corporate subsidies—an ongoing fight that has far-reaching implications for government spending and equity.