Well, a government shutdown was averted at the last minute. But 92% of top Hill staffers who responded to our survey, The Canvass, expect a shutdown this year.
To be fair, it looked like a real possibility on Friday night. And it could still happen when the current 45-day spending deal runs out mid-November.
One major sticking point that has made the funding fights even more contentious is whether to continue aid for Ukraine.
While such a provision wasn’t included in the continuing resolution adopted over the weekend, 72% of top GOP staffers and 74% of Democrats say Congress will pass legislation this year increasing Ukraine funding. The survey was conducted Sept. 5-22 in partnership with LSG.
House Republicans have been vocal about their opposition to more funding for Ukraine. But lawmakers in both parties are working to deliver a new tranche of aid to the country before the end of this year.
Defense Department approps: Seventy-nine percent of respondents said Congress would increase Pentagon funding this year. Staffers from both parties were closely aligned on this.
Interested in taking part in our survey? The Canvass provides anonymous insights each month from top Capitol Hill staffers and K Street leaders on key issues facing Washington. Sign up here if you work on K Street. And click here to sign up if you’re a senior congressional staffer.
— Robert O’Shaughnessy
