House Republicans Push for Government Funding Resolution
On Wednesday, House Republicans sought to halt fundraising efforts to prevent a potential government shutdown at the end of the month. They are expected to finalize the vote on a continuing resolution (CR) later this week, which sets the stage for a confrontation with Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats.
Rep. Thomas Massey (R-KY) led the push for these rules, which received approval from the party with a narrow vote of 216-210.
New spending measures, disclosed on Tuesday, aim to maintain government funding at current levels until November 21, just days before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated that the House intends to vote on the “clean CR” by Friday. He noted that the regular spending bill may continue to support government operations during ongoing discussions.
House Freedom Caucus chair Andy Harris (R-Md.) mentioned that the vote would come “nearly 72 hours” after the text was released, emphasizing the importance of sticking to that timeline.
While Harris supports the CR, he acknowledged the presence of dissent among several GOP lawmakers, which could jeopardize its passage. If all Democrats oppose the measure and all members are present, the Republicans can only lose two votes for it to pass.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA) criticized the funding increases first approved under former President Biden, claiming it shows disloyalty to Trump. Although Massie consistently votes for CRs, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN) has voiced her opposition but tends to vote in favor of them in the end.
Rep. Warren Davidson (OH) also expressed his dissent, stating he hasn’t wavered but still wants to cast his vote.
Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) condemned the GOP’s approach in a statement, expressing opposition to the suspension of their contrasts. They called for extensions to the Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year, or additional medical measures.
Together, they remarked, “The House Republican-only spending bill fails to meet the needs of Americans and does nothing to stop the looming medical crisis. By refusing to work with Democrats, Republicans are leading our country straight to shutdown.”
The CR also includes millions in security funding for federal employees, along with $30 million intended to reimburse legal fees for lawyers responding to public safety concerns after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. This includes a $58 million increase designed to bolster security for the enforcement department and the Supreme Court justices.
Additionally, there’s an amendment for District of Columbia funding, which was missing from the previous budget language passed in March.
Wednesday’s rules will also facilitate a vote celebrating Kirk’s life and legacy while condemning political violence.
Lastly, the rules vote revisited the ability to enforce votes related to the emergency providing legal justification for Trump’s tariffs from March 31 to January 31.
The government is currently operating under funding levels established during the Biden administration, a result of Congress funding the entire 2025 fiscal year. However, there were moves last week, as part of the usual but often stalling spending process, to send three of the twelve regular fundraising bills to a conference committee.
