On Friday, the House of Representatives is set for its first major clash over government funding as they prepare to vote on a temporary measure to keep the government running until November 21.
Republican leaders have crafted this partisan bill as part of a strategy they began implementing back in March, looking to create a divide between themselves and Democrats during discussions.
House GOP leaders have indicated that Senate Democrats will not formally reconvene after October 1, which they believe will hinder Democrats from approaching the proposal. They plan to cancel votes previously scheduled for September 29 and 30.
To proceed, however, Republicans need to pass the bill through the House with a very slim majority.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed confidence about the bill’s passage, stating, “We’re going to fund this government.” He appears optimistic that it will move through the chamber smoothly.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) is working to secure enough votes in the closely divided Republican caucus. “We’re going to pass it. Our members understand,” he noted.
Leading up to the vote, at least four Republican representatives have threatened to withhold their support, adding to the tension.
On the other hand, Democrats are standing united against these short-term spending measures often referred to as continuous resolutions (CRs). They have called for bipartisan alternatives, raising concerns about impacts on public health programs and subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act that are about to expire, along with past Medicare cuts approved by Republicans.
Emmer brushed off these concerns from Democratic leaders, downplaying the criticism. “I think there are a lot of saber rats. It’s as clean as you’ve done,” he remarked.
Nonetheless, these dynamics have created challenges for Johnson and his team. He’s eager to send the bill to the Senate before the upcoming holiday break, but the path seems narrow.
If all members are present and everyone votes, with all Democrats opposing the bill, Republicans can only afford to lose two votes to still pass it and send it on to the Senate.
Four GOP members have recently voiced their opposition to the CR, each with varying degrees of resistance. For instance, Rep. Thomas Massey (Ky.) has consistently been a reliable vote against such measures, while Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) claimed that continuing funding approved by former President Biden would be “disloyal” to Trump.
Rep. Victoria Spartz (Ind.) is known for changing her vote at the last minute, and Rep. Warren Davidson (Ohio) appears more flexible about supporting the CR if GOP leadership outlines long-term spending plans.
Spartz did reiterate her stance against the bill on Thursday, stating, “I made a statement.” Conversely, some Republicans who have opposed CRs previously, like House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.), have now supported this plan.
Emmer stressed the importance of continuing toward complete budget funding, indicating the current administration’s desire to revisit constitutional governance.
This funding bill also serves as a test for party loyalty among Democrats. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), who had previously supported a Republican measure, has not commented on his position ahead of Friday’s vote, nor has fellow moderate Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.).
Despite widespread opposition from Democrats, they find themselves in a position where they cannot block the bill since it requires only a simple majority for passage. Their influence will be more significant in the Senate, where the filibuster can be used to obstruct laws without the necessary 60 votes.
During prior negotiations in March, Schumer did not utilize the filibuster, which allowed the Republican bill to advance, frustrating many House Democrats. This time, however, Schumer, alongside House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), plans to oppose the package and highlight the urgency of extending ACA grants, asserting that Democrats are in a stronger position now.
“It’s a lot different now,” Schumer stated, indicating that Republicans are more vulnerable than before.
However, it remains uncertain whether Schumer can convince enough moderate Senate Democrats to withhold their support, possibly making it challenging to defeat the filibuster and prevent Republicans from reaching the required threshold of 60 votes.
In March, Schumer aided the bill’s advancement, but this time, fewer Democrats may side with the GOP. Only Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is anticipated to vote against the bill, meaning Republicans will need support from eight Democrats for approval.
Alongside maintaining current funding levels, the CR will enhance security funding and allocate resources for local police. It also includes modifications to the budget for the District of Columbia, which is grappling with a $1 billion shortfall following funding reductions made in March.
