3/10/11: Yesterday the Senate rejected two long term spending bills that would have provided government funding for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Senate first rejected 44-56 a House-Republican passed bill (H.R.1) that would fund government programs for the balance of FY ’11 at a level $57.5 billion below current spending, and almost $100 billion below the President’s FY ’11 request. NTEU strongly opposed H.R. 1 during House consideration of the bill because of the devastating impact it would have on the ability of federal agency’s to complete their missions and urged Senate rejection of the measure.

The Senate also rejected 42-58 a Democratic alternative that would have allowed the government to continue operating at reduced levels for the remainder of FY ’11, but would have allowed federal agencies to continue providing vital services to the American people.

With the current stop gap funding bill set to expire on March 18, House and Senate negotiators will continue working on a long term agreement to fund the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year. If an agreement cannot be reached by March 18, another short term funding bill may be necessary.