House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, is poised for a decisive vote on Tuesday regarding a crucial bill designed to prevent a partial government shutdown during the initial 100 days of President Donald Trump's term. The urgency of this legislation is underscored by the looming deadline: Congress must act by Friday, March 14, to keep federal operations running smoothly.
With minimal support anticipated from Democrats, Johnson is relying heavily on the Republican majority to push through this 99-page bill. If approved, the legislation will ensure federal agencies remain funded until September 30. Despite previous conservative defections from continuing resolutions, Trump urged party unity this past Saturday, emphasizing the need for Republicans to support the bill vigorously. In a post on TRUTHSocial, Trump stated, "All Republicans should vote (Please!) YES next week. Great things are coming for America, and I am asking you all to give us a few months to get us through to September so we can continue to put the Country’s ‘financial house’ in order."
Trump's message was clear: "We have to remain UNITED — NO DISSENT." He implored Republicans to set aside differences for the time being, framing this as a crucial moment to prevent a government shutdown. However, internal party dissent exists, as some Republicans have already indicated their opposition to the proposed Continuing Resolution (CR). Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky expressed his discontent on social media, stating, "I’m not voting for the Continuing Resolution budget... Why would I vote to continue the waste fraud and abuse DOGE has found?"
Conversely, Representative Ralph Norman from South Carolina, while traditionally opposed to continuing resolutions, has shown support for Johnson's efforts. He expressed confidence in Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to positively influence the nation’s debt management. "I don't like CRs," Norman acknowledged, "But what's the alternative? Negotiate with Democrats? No."
In discussions with reporters, House Republican leadership aides detailed significant allocations within the bill. It proposes $892.5 billion in discretionary federal defense spending and $708 billion for non-defense discretionary spending. The aides clarified that while the bill was coordinated with the White House, it has not received full endorsement from Trump, who has yet to review the specific provisions.
The proposed bill includes an additional $8 billion for defense in an effort to appease national security advocates, while non-defense spending would see a decrease of approximately $13 billion. Additionally, there is a provision for $6 billion dedicated to healthcare for veterans, highlighting the bill's emphasis on national security and veteran support.
The White House's funding requests have also introduced anomalies not included in the last government funding extension. Among these requests is increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), aimed at addressing operational shortfalls from the previous administration. A source indicated that much of this funding had been obligated before the current administration took office, reflecting an existing financial gap.
Moreover, the bill adheres to spending caps established under the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), which restricts federal spending increases to no more than 1% for fiscal year 2025. Savings in non-defense discretionary spending are projected to be achieved by eliminating certain side deals made during FRA negotiations, and lawmakers will not have the opportunity to request funding for earmarks, which Republicans classify as unnecessary expenditures.
Despite the Republican push, Democratic leaders have expressed significant concerns regarding the bill's provisions. A joint statement from House Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, indicated their intention to vote against the legislation. They criticized the bill for failing to protect essential programs such as Social Security and Medicaid, which Republicans are reportedly eyeing to finance tax cuts from Trump's previous term.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine and head of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized the importance of preventing a government shutdown. She warned that shutdowns could adversely affect essential government employees, including those in the military and law enforcement, stating, "We cannot allow that to occur."
As the vote approaches, the tension within Congress and the implications of this bill on federal operations remain a focal point for both parties.
