House Republican leaders revealed a stopgap funding bill on Saturday that will maintain current government funding levels until the end of September. The bill faces opposition from Congressional Democrats due to cuts in essential services, such as healthcare. The 99-page bill includes a moderate increase in defense spending by $6 billion compared to fiscal 2024 levels, while non-defense spending is $13 billion lower. An additional $6 billion is allocated for veterans’ healthcare. Emergency funding for disasters and community projects is omitted.
President Donald Trump urged Congressional Republicans to support the bill, emphasizing the need for unity to prevent a government shutdown. The bill includes funding add-ons known as “anomalies,” such as a $20 billion cut to IRS enforcement and increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s deportation operations. Democratic leaders announced their opposition to the bill, citing cuts to healthcare and veterans’ benefits.
Speaker Mike Johnson plans to proceed with the GOP bill despite Democratic opposition, aiming for a House vote on Tuesday. The challenge lies in securing bipartisan support before the March 14 deadline, with Democrats not currently on board. The bill must pass through both chambers, requiring near-unanimous support from Republicans due to their slim majority. House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro criticized the GOP proposal, emphasizing the need to prioritize essential services.
Representative DeLauro criticized the continuing resolution as a move by the White House to gain power and enable unchecked individuals like Elon Musk and President Trump to take from the American people. She expressed concern that by ending negotiations for full-year funding bills that support the middle class and national security, her colleagues on the opposing side have essentially granted power to an unelected billionaire. The House GOP has introduced a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown.
