[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S1055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                           Government Funding

  Mr. President, before I close, I want to briefly address the ongoing 
appropriations process. I am glad that we are avoiding a needless and 
harmful shutdown as we work to finalize the spending bills, including 
one from the subcommittee I chair overseeing transportation, housing, 
and urban development.
  Our subcommittee, along with our House counterparts, worked on a 
bipartisan basis to deliver a bill that both adheres to top-line 
funding levels and provides resources for vital programs that millions 
of Americans rely on every day. That includes supporting affordable 
housing, helping to alleviate homelessness, improving roads and 
highways in communities big and small so that people can get around, 
and hiring air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors to make 
sure our flights and our trains are safe and on time.
  It is not a perfect bill. Everyone did not get what they wanted. But 
I can tell you that Democrats and Republicans worked in good faith and 
made the most of the funds we had available. I am glad we are near the 
finish line on our bill and really hope we can find bipartisan 
agreement on all of the bills so that we can finally fully fund the 
government. This funding cannot wait any longer.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Connecticut.
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following my 
remarks, Senators Stabenow and Wyden be permitted to speak for up to 5 
minutes each prior to the scheduled vote.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.