The continuing resolution (CR) funding the federal government expires March 14. Earlier this week, the House passed legislation securing funding through September 30, the end of the current fiscal year. The Senate must adopt the bill or reach another consensus with the lower chamber by Friday to avoid a government shutdown.
House Funding Bill Passed Along Highly Partisan Lines
The House bill cleared with a four-vote margin along highly partisan lines. House Democratic leaders strongly opposed the measure. It was crafted without their input and alters the current CR to advance Republican priorities, such as allocating an additional $6 billion to military projects while decreasing non-defense programs by $13 billion. Those changes conflict with the bipartisan spending levels Congress agreed to last year. Reports indicate the updates were made “as GOP leaders faced growing pressure from hard-liners in their conference to curb government spending at every opportunity.”
It was crafted without [Democratic leaders’] input and alters the current CR to advance Republican priorities.
Bill Faces Opposition in Senate
Attention now turns to the Senate, where the bill will need 60 votes—including at least eight Democrats—to pass. Although Republicans control 53 seats, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) plans to vote no, claiming it does not do enough to cut spending.
So far, Senate Democrats are holding out. Instead of the House-passed measure, they want a month-long CR to give lawmakers time to negotiate a bipartisan spending deal. But they have an uphill battle. They would have to win significant Republican votes in both chambers and timing is also a problem: House leadership adjourned for the week after passing their bill on Tuesday in an attempt to limit the Senate’s options.
DOGE, Medicaid Cuts Underlying Negotiations
With the March 14 deadline rapidly approaching, Senate leaders are expected to continue working towards an agreement to avert a shutdown. Underlying those conversations are tensions around Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) interference with federal agencies and the potential for a harmful reconciliation bill that slashes Medicaid and other vital programs. Lawmakers are likely to renew focus on those issues once the CR debate is settled.
Take Action Today
As Congress contemplates key federal funding decisions, now is the time to make your voice heard. Read more about how to reach your lawmakers in our recent action alert.
