Gov. Maura Healey blasted congressional Republicans Tuesday for being “hell bent” on making political statements as a substitute of working to keep away from a authorities shutdown.
With a authorities shutdown 5 days away, Congress is shifting into disaster mode as Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces an insurgency from hard-right Republicans wanting to slash spending even when it means curbing federal providers for thousands and thousands of Americans.
Healey mentioned it’s “it’s really frustrating to see who’s pulling on Speaker McCarthy and getting him to do this stuff.”
“That said, here’s my job — we’re gonna make sure people here are covered in Massachusetts, make sure that we have services, make sure that people are getting the funding for what they need,” the Democratic governor mentioned. “That includes payroll. We have a lot of federal employees, we’re concerned about that.”
Healey mentioned the state can’t choose up federal staff’ pay however state officers can “make sure that the federal money that’s coming through for goods and services, that we’re able to cover that.”
“I don’t want people left out to dry,” she mentioned.
There’s no clear path forward as federal lawmakers return with tensions excessive and choices restricted. The House is predicted to vote Tuesday night on a package deal of payments to fund elements of the federal government, nevertheless it’s by no means clear that McCarthy has the assist wanted to maneuver forward.
The Senate, attempting to stave off a federal closure, is getting ready its personal bipartisan plan for a stopgap measure to purchase a while and maintain places of work funded previous Saturday’s deadline as work in Congress continues.
But plans to tack on extra Ukraine help have run into hassle as numerous Republicans in each the House and Senate oppose spending extra money on the struggle effort.
Biden administration officers warned Monday that greater than 100,000 Massachusetts youngsters and infants might lose entry to meals help funds via the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children if the federal government shuts down.
A possible shutdown comes in opposition to the backdrop of the 2024 elections as Donald Trump, the main Republican to problem Biden, is egging on the Republicans in Congress to “shut it down” and undo the deal McCarthy made with Biden.
Republicans are additionally being inspired by former Trump officers, together with those that are getting ready to slash authorities and the federal workforce if the previous president retakes the White House within the 2024 election.
With 5 days to go earlier than Saturday’s deadline, the turmoil is unfolding as House Republicans maintain their first Biden impeachment inquiry listening to this week probing the enterprise dealings of his son, Hunter Biden.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”