The bill would keep the government open for another 45 days if signed into law by President Joe Biden.In a dramatic turn of events, the U.S. House passed a short-term funding bill with bipartisan support to avert a looming government shutdown. The bill, which passed by a 335-91 vote, is a continuing resolution (CR) that will keep the government operational for the next 45 days, buying lawmakers more time to finalize a longer-term funding agreement. The overwhelming majority of Democrats and Republicans voted in favor, with only 90 Republicans and one Democrat, Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, voting against it.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to approve it quickly. If signed into law by President Joe Biden, the bill would prevent the shutdown and allow more time for negotiation on more extensive funding measures. This agreement came after days of intense debate, with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., initially advocating for deeper spending cuts and stricter border measures before ultimately opting for a “clean” 45-day CR.
The passage of the bill, while relieving, was not without its controversies. Democrats raised concerns about the lack of Ukraine aid in the bill, with some members objecting to the absence of additional funds for the country’s defense against Russia. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., criticized the rushed nature of the bill, claiming that lawmakers were given insufficient time to review the 71-page document. Despite these objections, the majority of Democrats ultimately voted in favor of the bill, with some expressing their continued support for Ukraine’s fight.
The deal’s passage marked a significant moment in McCarthy’s leadership. Despite initial resistance from members of his party, particularly Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who has threatened to remove McCarthy from his position as Speaker, McCarthy managed to secure enough votes to avert a shutdown. The passing of the bill now puts pressure on McCarthy’s political future, as his decision to rely on Democratic votes could have repercussions within his party.
While the bill ensures the government will remain open for the time being, the negotiations over Ukraine aid and other key funding issues are likely to continue in the coming weeks. The vote is a temporary solution, but it has successfully avoided an immediate crisis. The next steps will involve continued discussions on long-term government funding and the critical issue of supporting Ukraine.