In a significant display of bipartisan cooperation, the House of Representatives successfully passed a bill to avert a government shutdown ahead of the holiday season. The vote, which saw strong support from both Republicans and Democrats, resulted in a 336 to 95 majority in favor of the bill. With just two Democrats and 93 Republicans voting against it, the measure exceeded the necessary two-thirds margin for approval.
The bill will now move to the Democratically-controlled Senate, where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed intentions to take it up as soon as possible. This legislation comes after the fiscal year 2023 government funding had been extended through November 17, granting Congress additional time to pass 12 individual appropriations bills for the upcoming year’s spending priorities. However, with another looming deadline, House and Senate leaders agreed that a short-term extension, known as a continuing resolution (CR), was necessary.
This bill’s passage marks an important test for Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who assumed the role just a month ago following the removal of ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Despite having more Democrats voting in favor of it than Republicans, Johnson successfully secured majority support from his GOP Conference for the CR. His plan, released on Saturday, establishes two separate deadlines for funding different parts of the government, allowing for more targeted goals to be set.
One of the main objectives of this bill is to prevent Congress from consolidating all 12 spending bills into a massive “omnibus” package, as was done by House and Senate Democrats last year, but opposed by the GOP. By creating specific deadlines, lawmakers will first address the traditionally less controversial appropriations bills, such as those concerning military construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Energy and Water, and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, by January 19. The remaining eight appropriations bills must be resolved by February 2.
However, some members on the right of Johnson’s GOP conference expressed concerns over the bill’s lack of spending cuts and conservative policy riders. Despite this, Senate leaders have given tacit approval to the legislation, indicating that it is likely to avert a government shutdown if President Biden signs it into law.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his commitment to avoiding a shutdown and emphasized the collaboration between himself and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to swiftly pass the bill. Democrats initially had reservations about Johnson’s decision to split up funding deadlines, but overall, the majority appeared relieved to not be compelled to vote for a CR that falls below fiscal 2023 funding levels.
This successful bipartisan effort to prevent a government shutdown demonstrates a willingness among lawmakers from both parties to work together for the benefit of the American people. Speaker Johnson’s plan, despite facing some criticism, has gained support and is expected to receive approval in the Senate. This development brings much-needed stability to the government’s funding and showcases the potential for future cooperation in Congress.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital, focusing on Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Her previous work can be seen at outlets like Daily Mail and CBS News. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected].
