House Votes on Funding Package Amid Government Shutdown: Live Updates
Amid ongoing concerns over a government shutdown, the House is set to deliberate a critical funding package. This comes even as Democratic leaders indicated they would not assist Republicans in fast-tracking the legislation.
House Democrats’ Response and Voting Dynamics
Initially, House Democrats signaled to GOP leaders that they would not endorse the funding package under a suspension of the rules. This method would have expedited the bill’s passage, requiring approximately 70 Democratic votes. Instead, Republican leadership opted to navigate the legislation through the Rules Committee.
House Speaker Johnson faces a narrow margin with a 218 to 214 majority. This tight control allows just one vote to be lost without causing significant issues. A two-vote swing could potentially lead to an evenly split vote, which would jeopardize the bill.
Democratic Perspectives on the Funding Package
- Jeffries emphasized that Republicans hold the responsibility for advancing the rule.
- He expressed skepticism regarding Democrats providing support, although some may later endorse the bill.
- Notably, Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, a leading figure in the House Appropriations Committee, announced her intention to support the funding measure.
This funding package includes a two-week extension of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds. Such an extension offers time for negotiations concerning immigration enforcement strategies. Both parties have shown optimism about reaching a compromise, despite the tight timeline.
Key Elements of the Funding Package
- Negotiated between Senate Democrats and the White House.
- Includes a temporary extension for DHS.
- Comprises five bipartisan funding bills enjoying significant support from Democrats.
Democratic leaders acknowledge a range of opinions within their ranks, particularly regarding the temporary DHS funding. The landscape remains fluid as lawmakers aim to finalize the legislation and avert a government shutdown.
