House Republicans are facing the likelihood of needing another stopgap spending bill when they reconvene in September. The anticipated measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), is expected to be in place until after the election, according to Republican Rep. Drew Ferguson of Georgia. This sentiment is echoed by Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee.
Recent weeks have seen the House GOP encountering challenges in passing spending bills, reminiscent of the struggles faced last summer. Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole has consistently predicted that a stopgap measure would be the most probable outcome in September.
Recent setbacks include the withdrawal of votes on financial services and agriculture spending bills, as well as the last-minute cancellation of a funding bill for energy and water due to anticipated lack of support. The failure to pass a bill to fund the US Legislative Branch earlier this month has further complicated the situation.
Despite these hurdles, Speaker Mike Johnson downplayed the decision to send members home early, attributing it to the need for a break after recent political events. The House GOP will have limited time to act upon their return, with the focus shifting towards ensuring government funding without the luxury of pursuing partisan bills.
Conservatives are gearing up for a debate on the duration of the short-term spending bill, with some advocating for an extension into March to avoid a holiday rush. The decision on the timeline for the spending bill may ultimately fall to the winner of the November presidential election.
Meanwhile, the Senate has yet to pass any of the 2025 appropriations bills on the floor, although three have received unanimous bipartisan support in committee.
