In a high-stakes move to prevent a government shutdown, House Republicans have introduced a revised funding proposal, dubbed the American Relief Act. The legislation aims to keep the federal government operational for three more months and includes a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling, a key demand from President-elect Donald Trump earlier this week. A vote on the package is scheduled for Thursday, leaving little time before Friday's critical deadline.
What’s in the Bill?
The American Relief Act retains several bipartisan provisions from earlier negotiations but sheds some controversial elements that had sparked intense political backlash. Among the notable inclusions:
$100 billion for disaster relief and $10 billion for farmer economic assistance, maintaining the levels from a prior bipartisan agreement.
A one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, critical for agricultural programs nationwide.
Continued federal funding for the rebuilding of Baltimore’s Key Bridge, destroyed in a cargo ship crash earlier this year.
Extensions for certain healthcare programs, though fewer than in the original proposal.
The package also omits several previously included items, such as:
Lawmakers’ pay raises, a contentious provision that was quickly axed.
A measure for year-round E15 ethanol sales, which fell off during negotiations.
Bipartisan reforms to pharmacy benefit managers, initially included but deemed too complex for the current proposal.
Reauthorization of the Pandemic All-Hazards Preparedness Act and the SUPPORT Act, which addresses the opioid crisis. Both were removed amid pressure from right-wing figures, including Elon Musk.
Language transferring control of RFK Stadium to the District of Columbia, after misinformation circulated alleging it would lead to a costly NFL stadium project.
Political Headwinds
While House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is optimistic about the bill's prospects, it faces significant hurdles. Opposition has surfaced from both ends of the political spectrum.
Democrats, who control the Senate and the White House, are skeptical. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) dismissed the proposal, calling it “not serious” and accusing Republicans of edging the government closer to a shutdown.
Meanwhile, hardline conservatives within Johnson’s own party remain a formidable obstacle. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) criticized the plan as a "bad deal," and Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) expressed doubts about its merits. Efforts to craft an alternative bill—one that would exclude the debt ceiling suspension in favor of twice raising borrowing limits next year—were abandoned after failing to find sufficient budget cuts to satisfy conservative demands.
Trump’s Influence
President-elect Trump has thrown his weight behind the American Relief Act, particularly the inclusion of the two-year debt ceiling suspension. “A VERY important piece, VITAL to the America First Agenda,” he wrote on Truth Social, urging lawmakers to pass the bill.
However, Trump’s endorsement could create complications for Speaker Johnson, as it risks alienating some members of the House Freedom Caucus, who remain adamant about coupling any debt ceiling increases with significant spending cuts.
The Road Ahead
With just one day left before a potential government shutdown, the American Relief Act represents a last-ditch effort to maintain government operations. House Republicans are walking a tightrope, needing near-unanimous support from their party if Democrats largely vote against the package.
