US House Approves Stopgap Government Funding Bill

The House passed a bill Tuesday to prevent a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September, giving the continuing resolution (CR) crucial momentum as it advances to the Senate, where bipartisan backing will be required for final approval.

Why It Matters

Republicans needed strong support from their members to advance the funding package, securing it in a narrow 217-213 vote. Just one Republican, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voted against the measure. And just one Democratic lawmaker, Representative Jared Golden of Maine, voted for it.

"We did our job today," House Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican from Louisiana, said moments after the vote.

What To Know

In the Senate, at least eight Democratic votes will be needed to send the bill to President Donald Trump's desk. The legislation marks a key test of Trump's second term, prompting Vice President JD Vance to visit Capitol Hill on Tuesday to rally support.

Newsweek has contacted the White House via email on Tuesday night for comment.

In a Truth Social post on Tuesday night, Trump posted, "Big WIN for Republicans, and America, tonight. Congratulations to ALL!!! DJT"

Johnson pushed forward with the funding bill on Tuesday, daring Democrats to oppose it and risk a government shutdown set to begin Saturday if Congress fails to act.

"Here's the bottom line," Johnson said. "If congressional Democrats refuse to support this clean CR, they will be responsible for every troop who misses a paycheck, for every flight delay from reduced staffing at TSA, for every negative consequence that comes from shutting down the government."

Johnson's strategy had the backing of Trump, who urged Republicans to "remain UNITED — NO DISSENT — Fight for another day when the timing is right."

The legislation trims $13 billion in non-defense spending from the 2024 budget while increasing defense spending by $6 billion. With an overall discretionary spending top line of nearly $1.7 trillion, the bill does not affect Social Security or Medicare, which are funded separately.

Democrats expressed concerns over the bill's broad discretion given to the Trump administration, particularly over spending cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), run by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk. A Democratic memo warned that the bill could allow funds to be diverted from fentanyl prevention efforts and instead be used for mass deportation initiatives.

"This is not a clean CR. This bill is a blank check," said Representative Rosa DeLauro, Democrat from Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. "It's a blank check for Elon Musk and President Trump."

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Representative Tom Cole, Republican from Oklahoma, defended the measure, arguing it was necessary to end the cycle of short-term funding extensions.

"We're not going to have a Republican Senate, and a Republican House restrict a Republican president from the legitimate exercise of executive authority," Cole said. "And then, oh, by the way, ask him to sign the bill."

House Republicans typically rely on Democratic votes to pass government funding bills, but GOP leaders were determined to push this measure through on their own.

Representative Andy Harris, a Maryland Republican and chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, backed the bill, arguing it prevented a massive catchall spending package and reduced overall spending.

"This is not your grandfather's continuing resolution," Harris said.

But Massie remained steadfast is his opposition. Trump lashed out at him on Truth Social, calling him a "GRANDSTANDER, who's too much trouble."

"HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him," Trump posted.

Massie fired back: "Trump is attacking me and Canada today. The difference is: Canada will eventually cave."

Democratic leaders in the House strongly opposed the bill, though it was unclear how aggressively they would pressure vulnerable members in competitive districts.

"This Republican shutdown bill does nothing to enhance the American dream. It undermines it," said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat from New York.

What Happens Next

Senate Democrats took a wait-and-see approach, with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, also a New York Democrat, saying, "We're going to see what the House does first."

Senator Cory Booker, Democrat from New Jersey, criticized Republicans: "I am stunned that they are trying to jam through something that is their way or the highway."

Democrats introduced an alternative bill funding the government through April 11, which could serve as a backup plan if the GOP-led measure fails. Both parties positioned themselves to blame the other if the bill collapses.

"It looks like they're going to try to shut down the government," Johnson said of Democrats.

"If the government shuts down with a Republican House, Republican Senate, and Republican president, it will be solely because the Republicans have moved forward with a terrible, partisan, take-it-or-leave-it bill," said Representative Dan Goldman, Democrat from New York.

The bill also has major implications for Washington, D.C., where Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, warned that it would require the city to cut $1.1 billion in spending over six months.

"These cuts would impact critical services like education and public safety," Bowser said.

Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this article.

Update: 3/11/25, 6:54 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Update: 3/11/25, 7:47 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.