The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill to fund the government through early next year, aiming to avoid a government shutdown. The bill, known as the “laddered” continuing resolution (CR), will fund some government functions until January 19 and others until February 2. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next. The CR passed with broad bipartisan support in the House, securing 336 votes in favor and 95 against. The bill now goes to the Senate, and if approved, it will then move to President Joe Biden for signing. Without a funding bill in place, the government faces a shutdown on Friday.
Key Points:
Laddered CR: The continuing resolution funds various government functions with different expiration dates—January 19 for some and February 2 for others.
Bipartisan Support: The bill received broad bipartisan support in the House, with 209 Democrats and 127 Republicans voting in favor. However, 93 Republicans broke with party leaders and opposed the bill.
House Speaker’s Approach: Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson’s approach signals a willingness to reach across the aisle for pragmatic legislation. However, it may face challenges within the Republican caucus.
Two-Stage Funding Expiration Plan: Johnson’s plan involves funding specific federal programs until January 19 and other functions until February 2, allowing time for full-year agency funding bills to go through the appropriations process.
Democrats’ Backing: House Democrats publicly backed the bill to avert a shutdown, emphasizing the need for it to be set at the fiscal year 2023 spending level and devoid of harmful cuts or extreme right-wing policy riders.
Senate Consideration: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell are expected to move the bill swiftly through the Senate if it passes the House.
The bill’s passage in the House aims to ensure government funding and avoid a shutdown, with attention now turning to the Senate for approval.