BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, yesterday, our colleagues in the House introduced legislation that will provide a temporary extension of government funding until March 11. The continuing resolution is expected to be taken up as soon as today, and once it is passed by the House, I intend to have the Senate take it up quickly and in time before the February 18 deadline.
While negotiations on the full-year funding agreement continue, we will in the meantime avoid a pointless and costly government shutdown. This CR provides a little more time to reach a deal for a spending package. It is the responsible and prudent path forward that eliminates the risk of a shutdown.
My colleagues have made good progress, and I am optimistic that Democrats and Republicans can soon arrive at a top-line deal for an omnibus. I am more confident than ever before that we can reach agreement for an omnibus by March 11, which is far more preferable to the alternative, a CR for the rest of the year.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT