The GOP-controlled House of Representatives passed a critical bill on Tuesday to fund the federal government through September 30, narrowly averting a potential government shutdown by the end of the week. The budget measure, known as a continuing resolution, passed with a vote of 217-213, and now heads to the Senate for consideration. In order for it to become law, the bill requires 60 votes in the Senate, where it is expected to face a tough road.
In a surprising twist, Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine, joined Republicans in supporting the resolution. On the other hand, Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted against it, despite intense pressure from former President Donald Trump. Trump had threatened to "lead the charge" against Massie in the 2026 Republican primary if he voted no, comparing him to former Representative Liz Cheney (R., Wyo.), whose primary loss in 2022 was partly attributed to Trump's backing of her challenger.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance worked behind the scenes to persuade several undecided House Republicans to support the bill, securing just enough votes for passage. Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) praised the bill's success, framing it as a win for the American people. He accused House Democrats of shifting their stance on government shutdowns, claiming their opposition was driven by partisan politics and misinformation.
"For years, House Democrats have railed against government shutdowns, but they suddenly changed their tune when President Trump returned to office," Speaker Johnson said in a statement. "Despite these tactics, President Trump and Congressional Republicans will stop at nothing to deliver on the mandate given by the American people."
Johnson also called on Senate Democrats to either approve the bill and keep the government open or take responsibility for a shutdown.
In the Senate, bipartisan support is crucial. Republicans currently hold 53 seats, meaning at least seven Senate Democrats must vote in favor of the bill to reach the 60-vote threshold. However, the resolution faces strong opposition, particularly from Senator Rand Paul (R., Ky.) and other Republicans who oppose the measure’s provisions.
The 99-page bill increases defense spending by $6 billion compared to fiscal year 2024 while cutting nondefense spending by $13 billion. Overall, the bill’s funding is lower than the previous fiscal year. Additionally, the bill includes a request from the Trump administration for $485 million to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to accelerate deportations of illegal immigrants.
However, the legislation has drawn criticism for excluding additional funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to respond to natural disasters and for cutting funding for community projects, concerns that are likely to complicate negotiations in the Senate.
With the deadline fast approaching, government funding will lapse if the Senate fails to approve the bill by the end of Friday, leaving the nation’s government at risk of a shutdown.
