The House of Representatives has passed a funding bill to avert a partial government shutdown and provide funding for federal agencies until September by a slim margin of 217-213.
Bipartisan Senate support is now required for the bill to be finalized.
The big picture: Republicans in the House garnered strong support from their members to pass the funding measure, with only one Republican voting against and for it.
- The bill’s success in the House sets the stage for a significant legislative test in the Senate and for President Trump’s administration.
- Eight Democratic votes will be needed in the Senate to reach the president’s desk. Vice President JD Vance has been engaged in rallying support among Senate members to ensure the bill’s passage and avoid a potential government shutdown.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson advanced the bill in a strategic move to challenge Democratic opposition and emphasize the consequences of a government shutdown that could commence on Saturday if the continuing resolution, known as a CR, fails to proceed.
Zoom in: The bill entails modifications including a $13 billion reduction in non-defense spending contrasted with a $6 billion increase in defense spending from the prior year’s budget.
- While the bill does not cover expenditures like Social Security and Medicare, it allows the Trump administration wide discretion in spending decisions.
- The Republican leadership defended the bill, emphasizing the need to end the trend of short-term funding extensions. However, tensions arose as Democrats accused Republicans of granting unchecked authority to President Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk, igniting a debate over spending directives and government priorities.
What they’re saying: “Tonight, my colleagues came together to avert a costly government shutdown, ensuring the continuation of critical programs and services that Central Valley families depend on,” said Rep. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield). “By passing this Continuing Resolution (CR), we have kept the government open and working for Central Valley communities and the American people, and protected essential funding for defense, healthcare, nutritional assistance, and veterans’ benefits. This measure also guarantees uninterrupted services for our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, reaffirming our commitment to protecting the well-being of all Americans.”
- Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) stated, “Today, I voted to advance the Continuing Resolution. “While a CR is not the ideal way to fund the government, shutdowns are costly to the American taxpayer. This measure ensures critical government services remain operational, protects Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients from unnecessary disruptions, and guarantees our veterans receive their full benefits. It also makes sure junior enlisted troops get the pay raise they deserve. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to transparency and responsible fiscal management in the funding process. With this CR in place, we can now turn our focus to passing full-year appropriations bills that provide certainty for Central Valley families, businesses, and our economy.”
- Rep. Jim Costa (D–Fresno) stated, “Congressional Republicans have had eighteen months to craft a bipartisan budget. Instead of using their majority to make life better for Americans, they pushed a partisan bill that ignores the needs of the people and does nothing to uphold Congress’ oversight responsibilities over President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s unilateral actions to undermine public services. This bill cuts $16 million for local projects in my district, underfunds veteran services, and fails to support California’s wildfire recovery. Congress cannot give a blank check to President Trump and Musk while cutting services that Americans count on.”
