BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Both of Kern County's congressmen -- David Valadao and Vince Fong -- voted for the American Relief Act, 2025, which passed the House late Friday afternoon, just hours before the government shutdown deadline.
Both also voted for an earlier version of a deal that ultimately failed Thursday, and they've been hopeful a bipartisan agreement would be reached.
The two lawmakers also pointed fingers at the Senate, saying that branch of Congress is at fault for the last-minute rush.
Government spending is decided on by appropriations bills the House and Senate negotiate.
In this legislative session, the Senate passed zero of 12 such bills.
A big talking point has also been the debt ceiling -- which was left untouched in the deal that just passed.
"Ultimately, the hope is that we get this done. Get it across the line, sign it into the law, and it doesn't affect anyone at home," said Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford).
"Ultimately, the debt ceiling is something that has to be addressed. It was going to be a problem in the very beginning of January, and it was going to be a problem even before President Trump took office, right at the time the new Congress is sworn in."
Valadao also noted his frustrations over the partisan politics that occurred yet again over the stress of a looming shutdown.
"Obviously for us to move forward, this is going to happen to be bipartisan," the congressman said. "And so that's one of the frustrations I have with my own side is to negotiate with[in] ourselves with a piece of legislation that we know ultimately is going to require both sides, the outer support is a little frustrating."
Congressman Vince Fong was unavailable for an interview but released a statement following his vote.
“It bears repeating that this last-minute funding mess is a direct result of Senator Schumer and the Senate refusing to pass any appropriations bills this year. Having to respond to hurricanes and agricultural relief, House Republicans worked with incoming President-elect Trump to take necessary action. Efforts will continue to achieve additional savings, more economic growth, and the elimination of wasteful spending with a new Administration and Republican majorities in the House and Senate in the new year. I look forward to continuing to partner with the Trump-Vance Administration in tackling our nation’s most pressing challenges.”
Rep. Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield)
The Senate will then take up the bill. If passed in the Senate, the CR goes to President Biden's desk. The White House has already stated Biden's support for the measure.