Fight over Joe Manchin’s permitting overhaul clouds stopgap funding bill outlook

Senate Democrats are expected to move forward next week on a short-term funding bill that would prevent a government shutdown but faces uncertain prospects because it contains a contentious proposal to speed up the permitting process for energy projects. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) took the first step to prevent the shutdown on Thursday by advancing a House bill that will be used as the vehicle for a short-term continuing resolution, known as a CR, that will extend current funding levels until mid-December. The government’s fiscal year expires on Friday. Senate lawmakers are expected to reconvene on Tuesday and could vote on advancing that resolution that evening. The Senate won’t meet Monday in observance of Rosh Hashana.

Senate negotiators are also discussing additional aid for Ukraine. The White House has asked for $13.7 billion to fortify the country’s military with new weapons and support the government in Kyiv as it fights off Russia’s invasion. Mr. Schumer has promised to attach a permitting overhaul bill from Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) to the government-funding resolution, a pledge that has drawn opposition from both parties. The funding measure requires 60 votes to advance. Mr. Schumer hasn’t said what he will do if he is unable to secure the votes needed to advance the resolution. The continuing resolution will also need support from House lawmakers. On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) said that lawmakers are in a position to act quickly on the funding bill. She declined to speculate whether enough House lawmakers would vote for passage if it contained the permitting overhaul.