House to Vote on Temporary Funding Patch to Avert Government Shutdown

The House is set to vote on a temporary government funding patch, aiming to avert a partial shutdown as lawmakers face another deadline. The proposed short-term extension would see some government agencies funded for an additional week, through March 8, and the remaining agencies until March 22. Congressional leaders reached the agreement, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation in funding the government.

Agreement Details and Deadlines

The deal was announced Wednesday evening, with a plan to vote on six of the 12 annual spending bills before the end of the following week. The leaders highlighted that the one-week extension was essential to allow the appropriations committees adequate time to execute the deal and provide lawmakers with an opportunity to review the package's text. Subsequently, lawmakers would have two additional weeks to pass the remaining six spending bills, aiming to fully fund the government until September.

Challenges and Previous Shutdowns

The government has faced repeated near-shutdowns since the close of last September, grappling with an inability to pass the annual appropriations bills ahead of the fiscal year on October 1. As a result, short-term extensions, known as continuing resolutions, have been relied upon to keep the government operational. Failure to approve the latest extension before the upcoming Saturday would lead to funding running out for various programs, including transportation, housing, agriculture, and veterans initiatives. Additionally, funding for other agencies, such as the Pentagon, would lapse on March 8.

Recent Negotiations and Division in the House

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, put forward the latest plan following an "intense" meeting at the White House, attended by the president, vice president, and other congressional leaders. While there was optimism about averting a shutdown, divisions within the Republican party have added pressure to the passage of spending legislation. House conservatives have prolonged negotiations by seeking substantial cuts and policy changes, while also being reluctant to support bipartisan measures.