Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Sep 19: Republican lawmakers in the US Congress will attempt on Friday to pass a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown that could begin on October 1, amid strong opposition from Democrats pressing their own proposal.
The measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), would keep federal agencies running at current levels through November 21 and includes $88 million for heightened protection of Congress, the executive branch, and the Supreme Court following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Getting the bill to Republican President Donald Trump’s desk before current funding expires at midnight on September 30 has become a high-stakes political challenge. With a narrow 219-213 House majority, Republicans can afford to lose no more than two votes if Democrats remain united against the plan. At least seven Democratic votes will also be needed in the Senate.
“It’s always down to the wire here, because we have one of the smallest margins in U.S. history,” House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News. “But I think at the end of the day, we’ll do the right thing, keep the government open.”
While the White House has endorsed the bill, some Republicans remain hesitant. Representative Lauren Boebert said she is “not a ‘yes’ yet,” without giving details. Former President Trump urged unity on his Truth Social platform, writing, “Every House Republican should UNIFY, and VOTE YES!”
Republicans maintain the CR is “clean,” free of partisan policy riders. Democrats, however, are pushing an alternative to fund federal agencies through October 31, extend healthcare tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, and restore Medicaid spending cuts from Trump-era tax legislation.
The funding debate covers only about one-quarter of the $7 trillion federal budget, which includes mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare, and payments on the $37.5 trillion national debt.
If passed in the House, the CR will move to the Senate, where Republicans need 60 votes to clear the measure despite holding a 53-47 majority. The Senate will first vote on the Democratic proposal before considering the House version if needed.