WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – It’s crunch time for Congress as they try to pass their government funding deal before tomorrow’s deadline.
The text of the major spending package was released overnight and with the funding deadline set for Friday lawmakers don’t have a lot of time to read it – let alone pass it.
“There was some very tough negotiation,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson.
While House Speaker Mike Johnson expresses optimism about getting it done some Republicans are frustrated that the process is being rushed.
I’m probably going to be kicking and screaming about it,” said Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.).
However, Democratic leaders in the House say they expect most of their members to back the bills.
“We look forward to putting up the votes to pass this minibus,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.).
Even if the House gets the package passed on time the Senate still has to vote on it too.
“It’s going to be a tight squeeze to get this funding package passed before the weekend deadline,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
In order to do that every senator would have to agree to speed up the process and some say they aren’t willing to do that.
“Once we get the bill we shouldn’t be forced to rush to judgment on it,” said Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah.).
That leaves lawmakers facing the possibility of missing the Friday deadline.
“We’re likely to be here this weekend,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
The package costs about $1.2 trillion and will fund agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon.
