U.S. government averts shutdown as Congress votes to extend federal funding

In the Senate, Hatch voted for the spending bill, while Sen.

“The American people deserve far better than last-minute, short-term legislating”, said spokesman Josh Earnest in pressing for a broader, longer-lasting budget deal.

Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood’s president, told the lawmakers that her group has fallen victim to a “smear campaign” based on videos in which its officials coolly describe how they sometimes harvest tissue from aborted fetuses for scientific research.

House Republicans opposed the measure by a clear margin, but Democratic support was unanimous. But the talks promise to be hard, and success is not assured.

McConnell also said Tuesday that he, Boehner and Obama plan soon to begin discussions on a “topline” government spending limit for the next two fiscal years.

“This is a responsible measure that prevents a harmful government shutdown, while allowing time for a larger budget agreement to be completed”, said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers, R-Ky. “They are the main health providers for lots and lots of women”, he said.

Senators voted 78-20 to approve the legislation, which does not contain a controversial provision to strip funding from Planned Parenthood.

Abraham, whose 5th District includes Rapides and a few other Central Louisiana parishes, said he voted against the funding bill, called a continuing resolution, because it preserved funding for Planned Parenthood.

“This was a mistake, and it’s why people are so frustrated with Washington“.

Boehner’s office announced Wednesday that the elections for the rest of the Republican leadership slate, which are secret-ballot- and conference-only, will occur october 8. While Planned Parenthood also performs abortions, federal funds can not be used for those procedures in most cases.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said this week that he is trying to hammer out a two-year budget deal (alongside Boehner before he leaves) with the White House. But it was supported by his opponent in that race, Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., as well as the next expected speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Republicans are seeking an increase in military funding, while Obama will press for similar hikes for domestic programs. It does not take away money from Planned Parenthood, dashing the hopes of conservatives who’d argued a recent series of undercover videos exposed conduct that should have made the organization lose its funding. “We should act in a much more fiscally responsible way”. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Marco Rubio – who are running for president – notably missed the vote.

The group’s president said the videos are heavily doctored and untrue.

After defending the organization’s practices, Laguens went on the offensive and repeatedly slammed Republicans during the interview for their behavior during the hearing on Tuesday and their aim to defund Planned Parenthood.