DALLAS — Instead of passing the dozen annual appropriations bills that are required to keep the federal government funded, Congress once again turned to a temporary continuing resolution (CR) to keep the lights on through Dec. 20.
Congressman Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, is one of the 82 Republicans who voted against the CR, arguing that it’s simply kicking the can down the road.
“It basically is a white flag that says you didn’t get your homework in, can you give me more time. And no matter how much time you give voids-a-shutdown/507-bbd5c765-665e-47e0-8b72-a19bCongress, they’re still not gonna get their homework in,” the Republican told us on Inside Texas Politics.
For the most part, the CR funds the government at current levels until just before Christmas, with lawmakers adding an additional $231 Million for the Secret Service following two recent assassination attempts on Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump.
The measure passed the Senate 78-18 after it easily sailed through the House 341-82.
While it avoids a government shutdown, the CR simply means lawmakers will still face the tough decisions that need to be made concerning the budget after the Nov. 5 election.
The fight over funding the government is a microcosm of the deep divisions that remain between Republicans and Democrats.
Congressman Gonzales says while the 118th Congress has been contentious, he thinks the 119th Congress will be more so, and he tells us he’s concerned about political unrest.
“I suspect that after the election, no matter what happens, it is going to be a bumpy ride,” he said, before adding that the country will get through it. “That’s why I think it’s so important that we have lawmakers that can be statesmen, be that steady hand, bring our country together.”
Congressman Gonzales also discusses a couple of pieces of legislation he introduced, including the Find and Protect Foster Youth Act which finally passed, and the President will sign into law very soon. Listen to his entire interview to learn more.