Charleston, West Virginia (WOWK) — Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) is in Charleston coaching the Greenbrier East High School girls’ basketball team on Friday, just hours before the Senate votes on a spending bill that would prevent a government shutdown.
Senator Justice stated that he attended the game because he “wouldn’t miss this game for nothing.”
“My heart and soul are with these kids, and I will not disappoint them,” Sen. Justice told Nexstar’s WOWK on Friday.
He stated that he is on his way back to Washington to vote on the bill and that “we’re going to get exactly what President Trump proposed.”
The United States Senate has until 11:59 p.m. on Friday to pass the spending bill and send it to President Donald Trump’s desk, which will fund federal agencies through September. If the bill fails to pass and President Trump is unable to sign it, the government will shut down.
Despite their 53-47 majority, Senate Republicans need 60 votes to invoke cloture and advance the measure.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Thursday that he would support the bill. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has also stated that he will vote for the bill. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) stated on Monday, “Count me as a hell no” to the spending bill.
The bill passed the House 217-213, with only two members voting against their party: Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME). Two members did not vote.
