The House passed a stopgap funding bill with a razor-thin 217-213 vote, largely along party lines. The Republican-led measure cuts nondefense spending by $13 billion, raising concerns from environmental groups about impacts on energy projects. Former President Trump and Vice President Vance helped rally GOP support. The bill faces uncertainty in the Senate, where Democrats’ votes are needed before the looming shutdown deadline. The political battle continues to intensify.
The House of Representatives narrowly approved a seven-month stopgap funding bill on Tuesday with a razor-thin margin of 217-213, largely along party lines. The bill, which aims to prevent a government shutdown ahead of the March 15 deadline, now moves to the Senate where it faces uncertain prospects.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie cast the lone GOP vote against the measure, while Democratic Representative Jared Golden was the only member of his party to support it. The bill extends government funding through October while cutting nondefense spending by $13 billion and increasing defense spending by $6 billion.
President Trump’s influence was evident as he urged Republicans to support the legislation. Vice President Vance even visited the Capitol to rally GOP members behind the bill. Speaker Johnson managed to keep his conference largely united, including surprising support from hard-right Republicans who typically oppose such measures.
House Democratic leadership strongly opposed the bill, calling it “partisan” and “reckless.” They claimed the legislation would harm veterans, families, and seniors, and instead pushed for bipartisan negotiations. Environmental groups have aligned with Democrats in their concerns about jeopardizing energy and environmental projects under the proposed cuts. Democrats are now advocating for a shorter-term resolution in the Senate.
The Senate faces a tight timeline to act, as the House is leaving Washington for over a week. With 60 votes needed for passage in the upper chamber, Democratic support will be vital. Critics argue the bill’s cuts could undermine the renewable energy sector that has created millions of jobs globally. Senate Democrats plan to meet to determine their stance, with Majority Leader Schumer waiting to see the House action before deciding his next move.
The bill includes increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and boosts resources for veterans’ health care. The successful passage represents a significant test of Speaker Johnson’s leadership and demonstrates Trump’s continued sway over Republican lawmakers.
With the government shutdown deadline just days away, the Senate must now decide whether to approve the House measure or push for a different solution. Democrats’ role in preventing a shutdown has been challenged as they weigh their response to the Republican-led bill. Top Democratic appropriators have introduced an alternative resolution that would fund the government only through April 11, giving more time for proper bipartisan negotiations.
