McConnell Says Federal Government Will Not Close
(Worthy News) – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday said he would get legislation passed to fund the federal government in time to avoid any agency shutdowns on Oct. 1.
“We’re going to fund the government. We’re not going to shut the government down,” McConnell, a Republican, told reporters. He added that he is seeking a bill that keeps the government running through “late fall,” until a longer spending bill can be negotiated.
McConnell also said he opposes efforts by some conservative Republicans who are insisting that women’s healthcare provider Planned Parenthood be defunded as part of any government funding bill. House of Representatives conservatives are warning against passing any temporary funding bill without deleting Planned Parenthood funds. [ Source ]
McConnell: ‘Cold, hard reality’ against Planned Parenthood defunding
“The cold, hard reality for those of us who don’t support Planned Parenthood is we need a president who has a similar view who would sign such a bill,” McConnell, R-Ky., said.
Conservatives have been calling on the GOP leadership to use the must-pass funding legislation as a vehicle to strip taxpayer funding from Planned Parenthood. But McConnell said only a fraction of the half-billion dollars in taxpayer funding is appropriated by Congress.
Most of the money, about $470 million, comes from Medicaid spending, McConnell said.
“If you shut down the government, you will not defund Planned Parenthood,” McConnell said. “It will not happen.” [ Source ]