Two weeks ago, House Republicans passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) aimed at preventing a government shutdown, according to Rep. Don Bacon, who represents Nebraska’s 2nd District in the U.S. Congress. The resolution was described as “clean” and bipartisan, giving both chambers time to consider it.
Rep. Bacon noted that all Democratic Senators except three—Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and Angus King of Maine (an Independent who caucuses with Democrats)—voted against the CR. He expressed appreciation for those who supported the measure: “I want to thank Democratic Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and Sen. Angus King of Maine, an Independent who caucuses with Democrats, for choosing our country over party.”
Bacon explained that the proposed CR was similar to those passed during President Biden’s administration: “The passed CR is no different than the 13 passed during the Biden Administration, and I joined them for all but one.” He stated that passing this resolution would have ensured continued pay for federal employees such as troops and Border Patrol agents; prevented delays in Social Security and Medicare applications; maintained healthcare services for veterans; kept national parks open; and continued food inspections.
Addressing future negotiations, Bacon said one area of discussion could be the extension of COVID-era Obamacare tax subsidies set to expire on December 31, 2025. These subsidies were initially enacted to help those affected financially by the pandemic. Bacon indicated some Republican members are open to negotiating these subsidies during regular appropriations: “Some of my Republican colleagues and I believe we can negotiate on this during the regular appropriations process. To do that, we need a clean CR to pass the Senate.”
He also questioned whether high-income earners should continue receiving these subsidies: “Personally, I don’t think someone making $500,000, or even $300,000 needs a subsidy for their Obamacare insurance. My colleagues and I would like to examine income caps to consider extending them.”
Rep. Bacon encouraged constituents to visit his website for updated information about what is open or closed due to government funding issues.
Don Bacon has served in Congress since 2017 after replacing Brad Ashford as representative for Nebraska’s 2nd District (https://bacon.house.gov/). Born in Momence, Illinois in 1963, he now lives in Papillion. He holds degrees from Northern Illinois University and the University of Phoenix.
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