With just days remaining before a potential government shutdown, House Republicans have unveiled a 99-page stopgap bill aimed at securing funding before Friday’s deadline. This legislative effort seeks to reach the president’s desk amidst tightening margins in both the House and Senate, where bipartisan support may be necessary.
Despite uncertainties over securing sufficient votes, Congressional GOP leaders express confidence and have garnered President Trump’s endorsement. In a recent social media post, Trump urged, “All Republicans should vote YES next week. Great things are coming for America, and I am asking you all to give us a few months to get us through to September so we can continue to put the Country’s ‘financial house’ in order.”
The proposed funding extension would last until September 30, providing a slight increase in defense spending while proposing modest cuts to non-defense programs, a strategy suggesting that Republicans may attempt passage with limited Democratic collaboration.
Democrats have previously indicated that any adjustments to defense and non-defense spending would necessitate aligned movements—either both increasing or decreasing. To secure passage, Republicans must maintain unity, with House Speaker Mike Johnson having only a slim margin for dissent.
Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has initially stated intentions to oppose the bill, expressing concern over its lack of a 1% overall budget cut which he had previously expected to be included. “I’ll vote against a clean CR that funds everything in 2025 at 2024 levels,” Massie remarked. His position may hinge on adjustments to non-defense spending.
However, some fiscal conservatives who previously opposed stopgap measures are now reconsidering their stances. Rep. Ralph Norman mentioned that new initiatives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency have shifted perspectives, emphasizing his support for the current plan. Similarly, Rep. Tim Burchett expressed openness to backing a plan that maintains spending at 2024 levels following discussions with Trump.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, though not a proponent of stopgap bills, acknowledged the pressing need for a solution as bipartisan negotiations stall. “We’ve tried to lean over backwards to make sure none of our guys submit anything that … puts the Democrats in a tough spot,” he stated regarding the bill drafting process.
Despite Republican efforts, Democrats are largely holding firm against providing support. House Appropriations Committee’s ranking member, Democrat Rep. Rosa DeLauro, labeled the continuance resolution a “power grab for the White House,” stressing that it halts negotiations for comprehensive funding that would benefit middle-class Americans and national security.
House Democrats are actively disseminating materials outlining their opposition to the GOP’s yearlong proposal. Even if Speaker Johnson manages to advance the bill through the House this week without Democratic backing, it will require at least seven Democratic senators to meet the 60-vote threshold necessary for passage in the Senate.
