In a critical move to avert a government shutdown, the House of Representatives passed a stopgap spending bill on Friday, mere hours before the midnight deadline. The legislation, designed to extend government funding into early 2024, passed with a bipartisan vote of 366-34, exceeding the two-thirds majority needed for passage. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Failure to pass the bill by midnight would result in a temporary government shutdown, halting federal funding and operations until the legislation is signed into law. The Senate, led by a Democratic majority, is expected to act swiftly to send the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.
Key Provisions and Context
The bill extends government funding until March 14, 2024, and includes $110.4 billion in disaster aid and economic assistance for farmers. It also extends programs under the Farm Bill through September 2025. Notably, the package excludes a controversial provision to raise the debt ceiling — a sticking point in previous negotiations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) praised the legislation as a “necessary step” to maintain government operations and bridge the gap until early next year. Johnson added that the bill lays groundwork for significant policy changes anticipated under a future Republican-controlled government.
Partisan Dynamics
Despite initial Republican divisions, the bill garnered substantial bipartisan support, with 196 Democrats crossing the aisle to secure its passage. However, 34 Republicans voted against the measure, reflecting lingering opposition among fiscal conservatives.
The compromise followed weeks of fraught negotiations, including a failed Republican-led proposal on Thursday. That earlier package, which included a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling, faced backlash from both parties and ultimately failed in a 174-235 vote. The removal of the debt ceiling provision in the revised bill was crucial to securing Democratic support and placating GOP deficit hawks.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) played a pivotal role in advancing the legislation. Although he declined to confirm any formal deal with Speaker Johnson, Jeffries acknowledged extensive communication leading up to the vote.
“What needed to come out of the bill has come out of the bill,” Jeffries said, signaling approval of the revised package. He also dismissed efforts by President-elect Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk to include a debt limit increase at the “11th hour.”
For his part, Speaker Johnson credited ongoing discussions with Trump and Musk for shaping the final version of the bill. Johnson characterized the legislation as a strategic move to prepare for a Republican agenda in 2024, emphasizing its alignment with “America First” principles.
Next Steps
With the House’s approval secured, attention now turns to the Senate, where Democratic leaders are under pressure to act before the midnight deadline. Should the Senate pass the bill, President Biden is expected to sign it promptly to prevent a shutdown.
The current funding package represents a temporary fix, punting broader debates on government spending and the debt ceiling into next year. Both parties are bracing for more contentious negotiations as the new March deadline approaches.
