Topline
The House approved legislation Wednesday to continue funding the government through Dec. 20, narrowly averting a shutdown just five days before the deadline—with a Senate vote expected shortly.
U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) led the House of Representatives as they voted to avert a shutdown. … [+]
Key Facts
The House voted 341-82 to approve the short-term spending deal that will extend the 2023 fiscal year budget past its Oct. 1 expiration date—but still require lawmakers to either hash out a funding deal or pass another extension in December, about six weeks after Election Day.
Every Democrat voted in favor of the legislation unveiled Sunday by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., while 82 Republicans voted against it.
Its passage comes after the House last week failed to approve a similar measure that would have extended the budget through March and also included a GOP-backed provision requiring proof-of-citizenship when registering to vote.
The latest version of the bill does not include the voting provision, but includes $230 million in additional funding for the Secret Service in response to the two assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump.
What To Watch For
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters Wednesday the upper chamber will take up the legislation “immediately” after it passes the House. The Senate is also expected to approve the bill.
Key Background
The House passed the legislation Wednesday despite former President Donald Trump urging Republicans to let the government shut down if the voting provision was not included. Lawmakers were widely expected to come to an agreement despite Trump’s wishes, however, as leaders in both parties agreed that failing to could have adverse effects on the 2024 election by reflecting negatively on lawmakers who rejected a deal. Congress has already narrowly averted a shutdown five times this year as Republicans have leveraged their slim majority in the House to force various demands through the budget process.
Further Reading
Government Shutdown Unlikely After New Spending Deal Announced: Here’s What To Know (Forbes)
