On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced plans to propose a substitute to a House-approved continuing resolution if Democrats decide to advance it. His substitute would introduce a temporary spending bill with an extended expiration date, alongside three comprehensive annual appropriations bills, collectively known as a minibus.

Thune informed the press that the Senate is slated to vote on a government funding proposal later on Sunday afternoon, following a day of inactivity on Saturday. This decision aims to transition discussions towards a resolution.

The detailed content of this legislative proposal is anticipated to be unveiled early Sunday afternoon. The proposal is set to incorporate standard appropriations for military construction, veterans affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and the legislative branch, which have already undergone negotiations with House appropriators. Additionally, it includes a temporary funding measure for the remaining federal operations until late January.

Thune’s strategy involves substituting the House’s continuing resolution, a straightforward bill that finances the government until November 21, with his combined plan of the continuing resolution and minibus, humorously referred to by a Senate GOP aide as the “Criminibus.”

Republican senators congregated in the Mansfield Room on Sunday, sharing Andy’s Pizza and leftover Halloween treats, to deliberate their forthcoming actions on the legislative front.

Republican senators gathered in the Mansfield Room on Sunday to munch on pizzas from Andy’s Pizza and leftover Halloween candy to discuss their next steps.