House voting on bill to avoid government shutdown

The House could vote as early as today on a continuing resolution aimed at keeping the government open beyond Friday’s funding deadline.

CNN– The House could vote as early as today on a continuing resolution (C.R.) aimed at keeping the government open beyond Friday’s funding deadline. The proposed bill extends funding through the fiscal year, cutting approximately $13 billion in domestic spending while increasing allocations for defense and immigration enforcement. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) expressed confidence in the bill’s passage. “The C.R. will pass,” Johnson stated. “No one wants to shut the government down, and we are governing, doing the responsible thing as Republicans.”

However, House Democrats remain united in opposition, advocating for an alternative C.R. without Republican-led spending cuts. “Nobody wants the government to shut down. It’s harmful to the people we represent, but at the same time, they need to come back to the table and do something reasonable,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon). With Democratic resistance, Johnson can afford to lose only one Republican vote. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) has already voiced opposition, while several other House Republicans remain undecided. “I would like us to go back to pre-COVID level spending, but I realize that we don’t have the guts to do that either,” said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tennessee), signaling his uncertainty.

A source reports that Vice President J.D. Vance met with House Republicans this morning to advocate for the bill. Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson confirmed that former President Donald Trump has been in discussions with members as well. Even if the House passes the resolution, the bill faces a tougher challenge in the Senate, where Democratic support will be necessary for approval. “It’s going to be up to Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats to do the right thing,” Johnson said.