House Vote on Funding to Avoid Government Shutdown

 "Introduction"

Mike Jonhson

The House is gearing up for a critical vote on Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal to prevent a government shutdown, marking his first major test as the new House Speaker.

Unusual Approach with "Laddered" Continuing Resolution:

Johnson is advocating for a unique two-tiered, short-term measure called a "laddered" continuing resolution. This approach differs from previous stopgap bills as it extends government funding until deadlines in January and February, rather than a single deadline.

GOP Divide and Need for Democratic Support:

Some ultraconservative GOP members plan to vote against the continuing resolution, labeled "clean" for maintaining current funding levels. Given this, Democratic support becomes crucial for the bill's passage.

Democrats' Consideration of the Bill:

Democratic Deliberation

House Democrats are cautiously weighing their support for the stopgap bill. While they have reservations about the "laddered" approach, the absence of spending cuts, a demand from conservatives, might make them more inclined to back Johnson's proposal.

Democratic Dilemma and Prospects for Passage:

The likelihood of passage seems positive as frustrated members express a willingness to support the bill due to the absence of conservative policy add-ons. However, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has not confirmed whether there are enough votes from his caucus to ensure passage.

Concerns about a Government Shutdown:

With the current government funding deadline approaching on November 17, there are concerns about a potential government shutdown. Despite reservations, some members, both Republican and Democrat, are indicating a willingness to support the bill to avert a shutdown.

Overview of the "Laddered" Continuing Resolution:

This two-phased continuing resolution would fund four of the 12 spending bills needed to keep the government open until January 19, and the remaining eight until February 2. The bills funded until January 19 cover non-controversial areas like public health, military construction, housing, transportation, agriculture, and energy programs.

Opposition from Within the GOP:

Internal Discontent

Not all Republicans are in favor of the continuing resolution. Some members, particularly from the Freedom Caucus, view it as a "poor strategy" and express disappointment, emphasizing the need for conservative policy wins.

Implications of a Government Shutdown:

The consequences of a government shutdown include a halt to non-essential work in federal agencies, potentially leading to disruptions in essential services like air traffic control and law enforcement. The blog also outlines potential delays in services such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid benefits, passport and visa processing, and food assistance programs.

Summary:

In summary, the blog provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation in the House regarding the vote on funding to avoid a government shutdown, detailing key players, perspectives, and potential implications.

Follow me on:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram