Republican Congress Fast-Tracks Stopgap Bill to Avert Government Shutdown
Stopgap bill government shutdown: Despite opposition from Democrats advancing their own financing plan, Republicans in charge of the U.S. Congress will attempt to approve a temporary funding package on Friday in an attempt to prevent a government shutdown that would otherwise start on October 1.
In the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the bill, known as a continuing resolution or CR, would provide $88 million to protect members of Congress, the executive branch, and the Supreme Court from the threat of political violence while maintaining federal agencies at their current levels through November 21.
Political Battle in Congress to Pass Shutdown-Averting Bill Before September 30 Deadline
However, it has become a political minefield to get the measure through Congress and onto Republican President Donald Trump’s desk before the current financing expires at midnight on September 30. To ensure passage in the U.S. Senate, Republican congressional leaders must demonstrate unity despite Democrats’ unwavering opposition and get backing from at least seven Democrats, which they can do with their shaky 219-213 House majority.
“It’s always down to the wire here, because we have one of the smallest margins in U.S. history,” House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News. If all Democrats vote no, Johnson can afford to lose no more than two Republican votes. “But I think at the end of the day, we’ll do the right thing, keep the government open.”
White House Backed Shutdown Bill Faces GOP Resistance Despite Trump’s Call for Unity
The initiative has the formal support of the White House. But this week, a number of Republicans have expressed resistance, such as Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert, who told Reuters on Thursday, “I’m not a ‘yes’ yet.” We will see. She refused to explain why she was unable to provide help.
“Every House Republican should UNIFY, and VOTE YES!” On Thursday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. No major Trump proposal has been turned down by House Republicans so far.
Republicans Push ‘Clean’ CR, Democrats Oppose with Healthcare and Funding Demands
Republicans maintain that the CR is “clean,” that is, devoid of political policy riders that would deter support from both parties. Democrats, however, argue that the stopgap is partisan Republican legislation and are likely to present united opposition in support of their own legislation, which would restore Medicaid spending that was cut by Trump’s tax cut legislation, permanently extend healthcare tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, and fund federal agencies through October 31.
Congress Faces Budget Battle: Senate Vote Looms on Stopgap and Democratic Bills
Only around 25% of the $7 trillion federal budget—which also includes payments on the $37.5 trillion national debt and required programs like Social Security and Medicare—is discussed during the yearly budgeting debate.
If the CR passes the House, it will go to the Senate later Friday, where Republicans would only need a 53-47 majority to approve it, requiring 60 votes.
A Democratic-introduced legislation will be put to a vote in the Senate first. The chamber would next vote on the House version if that didn’t work.