Congress Averts Government Shutdown with Short-Term Funding Extension, Leaving Republicans Divided

The House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan funding agreement to keep the government open through December 20, but the measure has sparked concerns among some Republicans and left them divided.

The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards averting a partial government shutdown just weeks before the midterm elections. The measure passed with a vote of 341 to 82, largely along party lines, with all 82 "no" votes coming from Republicans.

Faced with an October 1 deadline and limited progress on fiscal year 2023 spending priorities, the House passed a short-term extension of the current fiscal year's federal funding levels. The measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), gained wide bipartisan support, although more Democrats voted for it than Republicans.

Congress Averts Government Shutdown with Short-Term Funding Extension, Leaving Republicans Divided

The federal funding debate has been a contentious issue in the 118th Congress, particularly among Republicans. Last year's government funding standoff led to the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy by a group of House Republicans.

Fiscal conservatives are frustrated about delaying the fight over spending until December, arguing that it puts the House GOP majority in a difficult position. "We are condemned to a Christmas lame-duck omnibus," said Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas.

Congress Averts Government Shutdown with Short-Term Funding Extension, Leaving Republicans Divided

House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., expressed similar concerns, stating, "I think that's the preview of coming attractions, unfortunately."

However, Speaker Mike Johnson has vowed that the House will not consider an omnibus spending bill in December. "There won't be a Christmas omnibus," he said.

Congress Averts Government Shutdown with Short-Term Funding Extension, Leaving Republicans Divided

Allies of former President Donald Trump have called for a CR into the new year, hoping that he will win the White House and carry Congress along with him. House GOP leadership is suggesting that Johnson may aim for a CR in December rather than an omnibus.

This would align with his original plan for a more conservative CR, which included a measure to prevent noncitizens from registering to vote in U.S. elections. The initial plan failed due to opposition from defense hawks and fiscal conservatives.

Congress Averts Government Shutdown with Short-Term Funding Extension, Leaving Republicans Divided

The new plan is a more straightforward funding extension but adds $231 million for the U.S. Secret Service following two foiled assassination attempts against Trump. While the Democrat-led White House and Senate rejected Johnson's initial CR, they have signaled support for the current deal.

The bill is expected to be considered in the Senate on Thursday and then sent to President Biden for his signature. Despite the passage of the funding agreement, divisions within the Republican party remain evident, highlighting the challenges faced by the House GOP majority.