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Speaker Johnson Faces Challenges in Securing Stopgap Funding Bill
In a bid to prevent a government shutdown by the impending Friday deadline, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is working diligently to gather the necessary votes for his proposed stopgap funding legislation. This effort comes during the early days of President Trump’s second term.
On Saturday, Johnson introduced a continuing resolution designed to keep the government operating through September 30, marking the end of the fiscal year. This temporary measure proposes an increase in defense spending while simultaneously implementing cuts to non-defense programs.
Shortly after the bill’s announcement, President Trump lent his support, urging Republicans to “vote (Please!) YES” when the proposal is brought to the House floor. In stark contrast, Democratic leaders criticized the bill as a “partisan” effort that irresponsibly slashes various benefits, with intentions to oppose it.
Given that most House Democrats are expected to align with their leadership’s stance, Johnson faces the challenge of securing unanimous support from his party to pass the measure. The situation is further complicated by dissent from both hardline conservatives and moderate Republicans who are uncertain about their votes.
Meanwhile, House Democrats are preparing for their annual issues conference in Leesburg, Va., as they seek to establish a unified strategy against the unfolding actions of Trump’s second administration. Concurrently, the Senate will be considering the confirmation of former Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) as Secretary of Labor.
Congressman Johnson’s Urgent Push to Avoid Shutdown
Johnson aims to advance his continuing resolution in a Tuesday vote, with plans to expedite it to the Senate ahead of Friday’s midnight shutdown deadline. Yet, the support he needs to pass the bill through the House remains uncertain.
Should all Democratic representatives oppose the bill, and if attendance is full, Johnson can only afford to lose a single Republican vote for the measure to pass. Early indications, however, are concerning as divisions appear within the House GOP.
For instance, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who often diverges from party lines on fiscal matters, is likely to oppose the bill due to its omission of a previously advocated one-percent across-the-board funding cut. His skepticism about the necessity of a stopgap was evident last week.
Additionally, several other hardline Republicans have not yet pledged their support, such as Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who remains undecided regarding his stance on the measure.
Moderate Republicans are also hesitating. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) expressed on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that the bill contains a mix of positive and negative elements, and he has not committed to a final decision. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) indicated on CNN’s “State of the Union” that he would choose his position closer to the vote.
The unease within both factions of the GOP complicates Johnson’s task, as he strives to solidify support ahead of the anticipated Tuesday vote and the looming shutdown deadline.
Even if the bill manages to pass the House, its prospects in the Senate remain uncertain. To overcome the 60-vote requirement, at least seven Democrats will need to side with Republicans. So far, only Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has hinted at possible support.
Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.), the leading Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, condemned the measure as a “slush fund continuing resolution,” suggesting it would empower figures like Trump and Elon Musk over federal spending, further indicating opposition from party leaders.
Some Democrats representing swing states are expressing reservations as well. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) has articulated her concern about ensuring that funds appropriated by Congress are spent appropriately, emphasizing the constitutional responsibility of Congress over budgetary control.
Senate Set to Confirm Chavez-DeRemer as Labor Secretary
The Senate is scheduled to vote Monday evening on Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation, positioning her to lead the Department of Labor after a notably complex nomination journey.
Her confirmation is expected following a bipartisan advancement of her nomination with a 66-30 vote earlier. Despite this, initial doubts surrounded her appointment due to her previous backing of the PRO Act, legislation aimed at bolstering union organizing, which drew scrutiny from some Republican senators.
Annual Issues Conference for House Democrats
As House Democrats convene for their annual issues conference in Leesburg, Va., from March 12 to March 14, the retreat comes at a crucial time when the party is striving to present a united front and distinct messaging against Trump’s second administration.
A contingency of events, including speeches from governors such as Kentucky’s Andy Beshear (D), Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro (D), and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer (D), aims to energize the caucus during this pivotal gathering. The Democratic leadership acknowledges the need to articulate a clear response to Trump’s agenda and scrutinize Republican proposals, such as potential cuts to Medicaid and actions from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
As the first month and a half of Trump’s administration unfolds, House Democrats are grappling with how to effectively communicate their strategies and solutions to the electorate, particularly in regards to cost-of-living challenges. House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (Calif.) conveyed that their focus will be on addressing these pressing issues as they chart their course toward regaining control of the House in the upcoming electoral cycle.
Source
thehill.com