Senate Sends FY 2017 Continuing Resolution to President

Last night the Senate in a modestly bipartisan vote approved the House amendment to HR 2028, the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017. The final vote was 63 to 36. Thirteen Republicans voted against the bill.

This extends the current spending authority until April 28^th, 2017. The Trump administration and the 115^th Congress will have to work out the spending plan for the remainder of the fiscal year.

It is interesting that a coalition of moderates in both houses of congress passed this bill. If the Republican leadership can withstand challenges from their less moderate wing, this may prove to be the model for getting things done in the 115^th Congress. Otherwise, the Republicans lack of a filibuster proof majority in the Senate will allow the Democrats to block most legislation.