Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has introduced a new plan to prevent a partial government shutdown following a House GOP rebellion that derailed a more conservative measure last week. The House leaders are planning to vote on a short-term extension of the current year's government funding levels, known as a continuing resolution (CR), to allow more time for Congressional negotiators to determine federal spending priorities for the upcoming fiscal year starting on Oct. 1.
The new measure, which aligns more closely with the demands of Senate Democrats and the White House, is expected to face opposition from the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus and its supporters. However, most Republicans are cautious of the repercussions of a potential government shutdown so close to Election Day.
Johnson criticized the Senate for not passing any of the 12 appropriations bills and failing to negotiate on an acceptable topline number for FY 2025. As a result, a continuing resolution is seen as the only viable option to avert a shutdown.
The proposed plan aims to keep the government operational until Dec. 20. It includes additional funding of approximately $187 million for the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) along with specific oversight measures, following bipartisan calls for enhanced security after two thwarted attempts on former President Trump's life.
Notably, the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill mandating proof of citizenship in the voter registration process, has been removed from the new plan. This legislation, endorsed by Trump, had previously passed the House but faced opposition from the Senate and the White House.
Johnson's strategy is to present a minimal CR that includes only essential extensions. He emphasized that while this may not be the preferred solution, it is the most sensible course of action given the current circumstances.
The ongoing debate over government funding has created divisions even among staunch conservative House allies. Johnson's latest proposal is unlikely to ease these tensions, with critics arguing that a CR until December would necessitate consolidating the 12 annual appropriations bills into a comprehensive omnibus spending bill, a move most Republican lawmakers oppose.
House GOP leadership anticipates that Congress may opt for another CR into the new year rather than setting new fiscal year 2025 levels, aligning with Johnson's initial plan. The previous proposal by the speaker, which sought funding until March, faced opposition from Democrats and some national security advocates.
Supporters of Trump are in favor of delaying the government funding dispute into the new year, hoping for a Republican victory in the White House and Congress.
