At this moment in history, our country is rightfully focused on the war in Ukraine. This week’s Wednesday Wonk will, therefore, be rather eclectic. Rather than focus on a specific topic, the Wonk will update you on various matters of interest.

For starters, the Continuing Resolution passed!! As reported in Roll Call, it passed in the Senate on Friday by a vote of 68 to 31. This CR extends Federal funding through the end of the fiscal year. As expected, this mammoth $1.5 trillion bill also contains funds to help Ukraine fight this war as well as funds for humanitarian relief. Although the Wonk was delighted about the fund earmarked for Ukraine, I was concerned to learn that “other humanitarian programs meant to address mounting hunger crises elsewhere in the world, including Afghanistan and West Africa”, were reduced.

Meanwhile, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is getting things done. Politico points out that several bills, such as the reauthorization of the “Violence Against Women Act”, an anti-lynching bill that had failed numerous times, and a sweeping postal reform bill” have passed in the Senate on a bipartisan basis. This article goes on to say, “95 percent of the time seems to be spent on partisan stuff, and 5 percent on bipartisan stuff. They’ve realized they’ve needed some accomplishments. I’m all for that,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).”

In another development, a recent editorial in the Washington Post suggests that the Democrats have a messaging problem. The Post suggests that rather than focus on grandiose plans, “Democrats must convince voters they are on the side of regular Americans — making progress and solving real problems (e.g., jobs, COVID). They need to remind voters that Democrats are on the right side of the middle class, democracy, and law and order. Democrats must leave no doubt as to which party did a lot to clean up the mess left behind by the previous administration and which party understands the real problems left to work on (e.g., inflation, green energy, defending against international bullies)”.

Finally, I’m including an interview with A. B. Stoddard (formerly with The Hill, currently with Real Clear Politics) and former Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME). Senator Snowe served in Congress for many years and is well-known for working across the aisle. When she left the Congress, she wrote a book entitled, Fighting for Common Ground: How We Can Fix the Stalemate in Congress. Senator Snowe discusses why she left Congress and what we can do so that Congress actually works for everyone. This is a lengthy interview, and–honestly–I did not listen to the entire broadcast. Nevertheless, it may give Wonk readers so perspective about how things became so muddled and what can move us forward.

That’s it for this week. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for future columns? Please write to me! Pray for peace!!!!

Happy reading.