House Republicans pass spending bill, sending it to an uncertain fate in the Senate
House Republicans narrowly passed a short-term spending bill on Tuesday, aiming to prevent a partial government shutdown set for this weekend.
House Republicans narrowly passed a short-term spending bill on Tuesday, aiming to prevent a partial government shutdown set for this weekend.
House Republicans narrowly passed a short-term spending bill on Tuesday, aiming to prevent a partial government shutdown set for this weekend.
House Republicans narrowly passed a short-term spending bill on Tuesday, aiming to prevent a partial government shutdown set for this weekend. The bill, which funds the government through September, includes a $13 billion reduction in domestic spending while increasing defense funding by $6 billion.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R) hailed the passage of the bill as a critical win for his party.
"This was a well-coordinated effort between the White House, our Senate Republican colleagues, and House Republicans," Johnson said.
However, House Democrats were quick to criticize the bill for not including protections for Social Security and Medicare — though such provisions are not typically part of a spending bill.
"We stand ready, willing, and able to negotiate a bipartisan spending agreement that meets the needs of the American people in terms of their economic well-being," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where bipartisan support is necessary for passage. At least eight Democratic senators must join Republicans to reach the required 60-vote threshold. However, some senators have already expressed their opposition.
"Nobody's reduced any spending. We're spending the same amount on foreign aid, so it doesn't make any sense to support this," said Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY).
Meanwhile, some Democrats, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), are emphasizing the importance of avoiding a government shutdown.
"I would not vote to shut the government down or withhold my vote. And I don't know what my colleagues are going to do, but we can't shut the government down to claim to save it," Fetterman said.
With time running out before a shutdown, Senate leaders must negotiate a path forward. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) has yet to commit to supporting the House GOP measure, leaving the bill’s fate uncertain. If a resolution is not reached by the weekend, parts of the federal government could face temporary closure, impacting agencies and services nationwide.