McConnell’s Absence Jeopardizes $87.6 Billion War Funding as Senate Panel Loses 1-Seat GOP Edge
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 9
McConnell’s Absence Jeopardizes $87.6 Billion War Funding as Senate Panel Loses 1-Seat GOP Edge
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 9
Summary
McConnell’s continued absence has already canceled Senate Appropriations hearings and leaves Republicans without the vote they likely need to move spending bills through the committee.
The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican chairs the defense appropriations subcommittee, which must handle the Trump administration’s $87.6 billion supplemental request tied largely to the renewed war with Iran.
Without McConnell, the committee is split evenly between Republicans and Democrats after losing the GOP’s one-seat majority, making tied votes a likely obstacle as both sides remain deadlocked over defense versus domestic spending.
Congress returns Monday with limited time before the Sept. 30 government-funding deadline, increasing the odds lawmakers will need a stopgap bill if annual appropriations cannot advance.
The uncertainty has spread beyond Capitol Hill: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday asked McConnell’s office for an update on his health and ability to serve.