Trump-backed bill to avert government shutdown passes House
House Republicans successfully passed a federal funding bill supported by President Donald Trump on their own, marking a rare occasion where a majority of House Democrats voted against a bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown. The bill, a short-term extension of fiscal year (FY) 2024 funding known as a continuing resolution (CR), was passed along partisan lines and will now move to the Senate for approval before the looming deadline of Friday, March 14.
In a surprising turn of events, several House Republicans who had previously opposed CRs ended up supporting the bill, crediting President Trump for their change of heart. Rep. Eric Burlison from Missouri, who admitted he would never have supported the bill otherwise, attributed his decision to “barely” back it to Trump’s influence. Similarly, Rep. Greg Steube from Florida, who had never voted for a CR before, acknowledged the necessity of supporting the bill to avoid placing the blame on the president for any potential shutdown.
The bill includes an additional $8 billion in defense funding to address national security concerns, along with a decrease of approximately $13 billion in non-defense spending. Furthermore, there is an allocation of $6 billion for healthcare for veterans, showcasing a bipartisan effort to prioritize crucial areas of government spending.
The White House has also requested additional funding in various areas not covered in the previous government funding extension, including anomalies like increased support for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) federal benefits program and nearly $1 billion to assist with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations. These additional funds, along with a boost in defense spending, aim to address key concerns and ensure the smooth functioning of essential government programs.
Overall, the successful passage of the federal funding bill by House Republicans, with the support of President Trump, underscores the importance of bipartisan cooperation in ensuring the effective operation of the government. As the bill moves to the Senate for approval, it remains crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the American people and work towards a sustainable budget that meets the diverse demands of the nation.
