On the recordDecember 5, 2022
we have 26 days left in the calendar year, and there is still a lot we have to do. This week, the House is expected to take up the annual Defense authorization bill, priming the Senate to take action, perhaps as soon as next week. The Senate's work on funding the government also continues. I just finished a meeting with the Republican leader about finding a constructive path forward to keep the government funded next fiscal year. Leader McConnell and I have both publically affirmed the importance of getting this done, because our troops, our military, and our national security depends on it. And this Wednesday, in fact, the Senate will hold another classified briefing on the state of play in Ukraine, and I hope that my colleagues recognize how funding the government is inextricably tied supporting Ukraine while protecting American national security here at home. The two are tied together. So we are going to continue negotiations until we get the job done on funding the government. Both sides recognize the importance, so now both sides must chart a path forward together.
