The House Rules Committee decided not to vote on a short-term spending bill proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday, which would have prevented a government shutdown. The bill, which would have funded the government through December 20, was not brought up for consideration due to opposition from multiple Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie who accused Johnson of attempting to create a funding crisis just before Christmas in order to pressure lawmakers to vote for a bill that had not been thoroughly reviewed. Massie argued for funding the government for a full year instead of using a three-month continuing resolution (CR).
Since the short-term spending bill did not receive approval from the Rules Committee, House GOP leadership is expected to introduce the measure on the House floor using a procedure known as suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated that the plan is to hold a vote on the continuing resolution on Wednesday. With the Republicans holding a narrow majority in the House, it is likely that several Democrats will need to support the three-month CR in order for it to pass.
Johnson introduced his Plan B spending proposal after his initial plan was rejected by the House. The first proposal linked a six-month CR with a measure mandating voters to show proof of citizenship when casting ballots. The rejection of this proposal by both Democrats and some Republicans prompted Johnson to put forward the three-month CR as an alternative. He acknowledged that while it was not the ideal solution, it was the most viable path forward given the circumstances. Johnson warned against shutting down the government right before a crucial election, emphasizing that it would be a politically unwise decision.
Fourteen House Republicans sided with a majority of Democrats in voting down the original CR last week, suggesting that it would have faced significant opposition in the Senate if it had been approved. Johnson’s current three-month CR will need bipartisan support in order to pass and prevent a government shutdown. Without a rule established by the Rules Committee, the measure will likely be brought to the House floor under suspension of the rules. It remains to be seen whether Democrats will support the proposed CR to keep the government funded until December 20, as House Republicans hold only a slight majority and will need cross-party votes for the bill’s approval.
Despite facing opposition from some Republicans and uncertainty regarding Democratic support, House Speaker Mike Johnson is moving forward with his Plan B spending proposal to prevent a government shutdown. The decision to introduce a three-month continuing resolution as an alternative to his previous plan was prompted by the rejection of his original proposal by both parties. With the need for bipartisan support to pass the measure, House leadership is expected to bring the CR to a vote on the House floor under suspension of the rules. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for lawmakers to work together to prevent a government shutdown and ensure the continued funding of essential programs and services.
