A Nebraska Congressman doesn’t expect a government shutdown right before Christmas.
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, predicts a compromise will be reached at the end of the week to avoid a government shutdown, stating Congress is feeling the pressure to reach an agreement.
“So, the time constraints actually create pressure on Washington to get things done,” Fortenberry tells Nebraska Radio Network. “What is likely to happen is, again, there will be another short-term measure shortly that will push the bigger spending bill, the budget bill, into January in which there will be a final compromise for the entire year.”
Congress reached a short-term measure earlier, but it runs out Friday.
Congressional Republicans have been pushing for a deal to fund the military for a full year while approving short-term fixes for other governmental programs. Democrats have resisted, asking that any increase in defense spending be matched by increases in non-defense programs.
AUDIO: Brent Martin reports [:35]