Republicans are reportedly considering a funding plan to avert a government shutdown before the midterm elections | Today’s news
Senate Republicans are debating a strategy to avoid another government shutdown later this year, with Sen. Rick Scott circulating a proposal that would keep federal funding levels frozen until November’s midterm elections, The Hill reported.
Scott’s proposal comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans, where lawmakers are expected to discuss priorities for the rest of the year.
Scott urges him to focus on avoiding the shutdown
According to the news outlet, Scott encouraged other Republicans to rally around a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded past the Sept. 30 deadline and prevent what would be a third government shutdown with the current Congressional shutdown.
In a letter circulating among Republican senators, Scott reportedly argued that passing a clean temporary spending measure should be a top priority.
“My hope is that we can continue to have extensive conversations this week at the conference about how we should spend the time between now and the November election.”
Scott noted that Trump was scheduled to attend a Republican luncheon Wednesday and urged colleagues to discuss the best legislative path forward.
Concerns about spending
Scott reportedly warned that Democrats were unlikely to help pass all 12 annual appropriations bills before the fiscal year deadline.
As a result, he argued that Republicans should focus on keeping the government funded through a temporary measure rather than risk a shutdown.
“We need to make it clear to all Americans that Democrats want to shut down the government and don’t care how it affects federal workers or the economy, and that Republicans want to fund the government.”
The comments reflect growing concerns among Republicans about the political impact of the shutdown ahead of the midterm elections.
SAVE America Act among top priorities
In addition to government funding, Scott urged Republicans to prioritize passage of the Protect America Voters (SAVE America) Act.
The legislation would require individuals to provide documented proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.
Scott argued that election security should remain a central issue for Republicans heading into the election.
“We need to make it clear that Republicans want election certainty and Democrats want fraud.”
Democrats strongly opposed the legislation, although Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats support voter ID requirements in principle.
Proposals to protect federal workers
Scott also supports legislation aimed at reducing the impact of potential shutdowns on federal employees.
Among the measures he highlighted are the Shutdown Fairness Act, sponsored by Ron Johnson, and the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025, introduced by James Lankford.
Johnson’s bill would provide compensation to essential federal workers during the shutdown, while Lankford’s proposal would provide continued funding to prevent shortfalls in government funding.
According to the news outlet, Lankford’s legislation would also limit official travel and congressional breaks during the shutdown.
Republicans seek political contrast
Scott framed the upcoming spending debate as an opportunity to draw sharp distinctions between the two parties before voters head to the polls.
“We have to make a clear distinction between who are good and who are bad.”
He added, “We need to demonstrate what Republicans stand for and what Democrats stand for through action, not rhetoric.”
Scott also reportedly argued that Democrats see a government shutdown fight ahead of the midterms as politically expedient.
“Democrats have made it clear they want to shut down the government on Oct. 1 because they believe that is their path to a November majority.”
Discussions are expected to continue when Trump joins Senate Republicans for a luncheon on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.
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