Congress is hoping to pass a “cromnibus” spending bill that will, among other things, fund the government for the remainder of Fiscal 2015. The “crominbus” is a combination of a long-term omnibus bill and a short-term continuing resolution—a series of 11 appropriations bills would fund most government agencies through the end of the fiscal year, with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which would be funded at existing levels until “sometime in March” via a continuing resolution, reported The Hill, citing House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.). As of Monday night, however, discussions on the legislation had stalled in the House, which may slow down its passage, missing the Thursday deadline, when funding is set to run out, reported Congressional Quarterly. On the Senate side, Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said he is doubtful the bill will pass in time. “Thursday will not be the last day of the session,” Levin said Monday. “That much I’m confident [about]. This Thursday? Not a chance. Maybe this Saturday.” If it does not clear both houses and the President’s desk in time, Congress will be forced to pass a continuing resolution that will fund the government for a couple of days while details are worked out. (See also Fiscal 2014 Omnibus Spending Bill Unveiled.)
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.