House vote imminent on plan to avert government shutdown
House lawmakers are gearing up for a critical vote on a bill to avert a partial government shutdown as the deadline for federal funding looms closer. With a shutdown expected just after midnight on Saturday if no action is taken, Congress is under pressure to come up with a solution.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has indicated that there will be a House-wide vote on Friday to prevent a government shutdown. He emphasized the importance of meeting obligations to farmers, disaster victims, military personnel, and other federal employees who rely on government paychecks.
The proposed legislation is expected to extend current government funding levels through mid-March, known as a continuing resolution (CR), and include over $100 billion in disaster relief aid for victims of storms Helene and Milton, as well as assistance for the agriculture industry. Speaker Johnson is pushing to fast-track the bill using a maneuver known as “suspension of the rules,” which requires two-thirds of the House chamber for passage, making Democratic support crucial.
However, some Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have expressed reservations about the bill. Massie indicated that he would not support the legislation, citing concerns about the lack of measures to address the national debt and deficit. Another Republican lawmaker suggested that Speaker Johnson would not move forward without the approval of President-elect Trump and Elon Musk.
The path to averting a government shutdown has been fraught with obstacles. An initial spending bill supported by Trump and Musk was derailed after GOP hardliners objected to what they perceived as unrelated provisions. A second iteration of the bill was also defeated in a House vote, prompting House leaders to unveil a new plan that includes raising the debt limit by $1.5 trillion and implementing $2.5 trillion in net spending cuts.
As the clock ticks down to the funding deadline, House leaders are working to secure support for the latest plan. With a partial government shutdown on the horizon, the pressure is on to find a resolution that can pass the House and avert a crisis. Stay tuned for updates on the unfolding situation in Congress.
