[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 189 (Tuesday, December 6, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S6972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                           Government Funding

  Mr. President, on government funding, off the floor, negotiations 
continue between both parties on charting a path toward fully funding 
the government for the next fiscal year. I spent much of the day 
yesterday going from one meeting to the next, sitting down first with 
Leader McConnell and his team and then with Speaker Pelosi and her 
team, and I stayed on the phone throughout the evening as Senators 
worked to bridge the gap on funding.
  We are working very hard on getting something done before the 
deadline, but there is a lot of negotiating left to do. Both sides 
understand that fully funding the government is extremely important and 
anything less risks harm to our troops and the Federal Government's 
ability to serve the public. We don't want to see that outcome so both 
sides must remain at the table and continue working.
  Tomorrow, Senators will attend a classified briefing on the latest 
developments on the war in Ukraine. I hope it sinks in for all Members 
in attendance just how critical U.S. aid has been, not just for our 
allies but for our own protection. I hope it sinks in that this is one 
of the most important reasons why we must reach an agreement.
  It is not an easy process, but it is supremely important nonetheless. 
For the well-being of our troops, for the preservation of our national 
security, and for the tens of millions of Americans who look to the 
Federal Government for a wide range of basic services, Democrats and 
Republicans must work together to fully fund the Federal Government.