Nebraska Lawmakers Push to Avert Government Shutdown as Senate Vote Looms

🚨  – As the deadline for a potential federal government shutdown approaches, Nebraska’s U.S. House representatives have taken action, voting in favor of a spending bill aimed at keeping the government operational.

House Passes Spending Bill to Prevent Shutdown

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives successfully passed a spending bill designed to fund the federal government through September 2025. The bill includes an overall reduction in government spending, while boosting military funding by approximately $6 billion and cutting non-defense expenditures.

All three of Nebraska’s Republican representatives—Don Bacon, Adrian Smith, and Mike Flood—voted in favor of the legislation. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.

Senate Faces Key Vote Amidst Uncertainty

The bill’s success hinges on the U.S. Senate, where Nebraska’s Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts hold critical votes. To prevent a filibuster, the proposal must secure 60 votes, meaning at least seven Democrats or Independents need to back it—assuming no Republican opposition.

However, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has indicated opposition, potentially increasing the required number of Democratic votes to eight.

While Sen. Fischer has remained silent on her position, Sen. Ricketts has voiced support, blaming Senate Democrats for any potential shutdown.

🗣 “I hope my Democrat colleagues will see the wisdom in keeping government open and voting for the CR,” Ricketts stated in a press call on Wednesday.

Democrats Push Back on GOP Spending Plan

Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have criticized the House bill, arguing that it grants excessive spending power to the Trump administration and could impact programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

Republicans, however, refute these claims. House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole and Rep. Don Bacon both dismissed concerns, stating that the bill does not gut key social programs.

With Friday’s midnight deadline fast approaching, Congress must act swiftly to prevent a partial government shutdown, which could lead to:
✅ Closure of national parks and monuments
✅ Paused federal services
✅ Unpaid federal workers, including military personnel and law enforcement

How Nebraska’s House Members Voted

• Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) supported the bill despite initial concerns over military budget cuts, stating:
  🗣 “We cannot let the government shut down and not be there to serve the people.”
• Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) expressed disappointment over the lack of bipartisan support, saying:
  🗣 “It’s disappointing nearly every Democrat voted against preventing a harmful government shutdown.”
• Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), vice chair of the Main Street Caucus, emphasized the bill’s alignment with Republican fiscal priorities, noting:
  🗣 “This vote puts Congress on the path to deliver President Trump’s tax cuts and control federal spending.”

What’s Next?

If the Senate approves the bill, it will move to President Donald Trump’s desk for final approval, extending federal funding for six months. However, if Senate Democrats reject the measure, the government could partially shut down by midnight on Friday.

💡 The last federal shutdown occurred during Trump’s first term, highlighting the challenges of reaching bipartisan agreements on spending.

📢 Stay tuned for updates on the Senate’s decision and its impact on federal services.

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