With one potential government shutdown close to being averted and another one on the horizon, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) signaled a renewed effort to break Congress’ habit of budget brinkmanship.
McConnell told reporters Tuesday that he would like to settle on a topline budget number for the next two years and that he, House Speaker John Boehner and President Obama spoke last week about getting those negotiations started.
“I would expect them to start very soon,” McConnell said, according to video posted by Roll Call. A two-year deal would allow lawmakers to get back to the typical appropriations process, McConnell said.
Boehner recently announced he would be stepping down from his speakership after a stand-off with House conservatives calling for a government shutdown over Planned Parenthood’s federal funding. His resignation has defused the current shutdown talk, and both chambers are poised to pass funding legislation that will last through December 11. Concerns have been raised, however, as how Boehner’s replacement will navigate that next budget deadline, as well as the other high-stakes deadlines bleeding into it.
“We are going to have to deal with all of these issues between now and December the 11th. How much of that could come together before Speaker Boehner leaves, I have no earthly idea,” McConnell said.
Among the issues expected to be a flashpoint in the months to come is how to deal with the budget caps placed on spending after 2011’s debt ceiling showdown.