Reporter’s Notebook: Here we go again (again)
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It feels like just yesterday when Capitol Hill was in turmoil, trying to prevent a government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson thought he had a deal that would pass with bipartisan support, but it all fell apart when the bill’s size came into question. President Trump, along with influencers like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, had their say, and the bill was ultimately rejected.
Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in the middle of March with no long-term government funding plan in sight. Last year’s spending package was supposed to last until this point, but due to various circumstances, lawmakers were forced to pass multiple stopgap measures to keep the government running.
House Republicans have now put forth an interim spending bill that renews funding at Biden-level amounts, while also making some cuts to social programs and the Washington budget. However, there are increases in Pentagon funding, with few Democratic priorities included. Despite controlling the House, Republicans are calling on Democrats to help pass the bill, as their slim majority may require Democratic votes.
Speaker Johnson has needed Democratic support since taking office, and Democrats may have even saved his speakership last year by working together to pass crucial funding bills. The ongoing funding crisis has caused tensions within the GOP, with some members criticizing leadership for their handling of spending bills.
Now, House Republicans have crafted a bill that appeals to their party, expecting Democrats to support it as well. The threat of a government shutdown looms, with both parties trying to avoid blame for any potential disruption. Democrats are calling for compromise and guarantees on sustaining programs, while Republicans are pushing for their bill to be passed on their terms.
As the week progresses, the House plans to pass the bill and leave the Senate to make the final decision. Democrats are weighing the risks of a shutdown against the potential consequences of more cuts to federal programs. With the involvement of President Trump and influential figures like Elon Musk, this funding battle may take unexpected turns.
In the end, only time will tell if this government shutdown threat will follow the usual script or if new players will change the game. Stay tuned to see how this high-stakes political drama unfolds.
