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The U.S. government is on the brink of a shutdown as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) moves forward with a six-month funding extension that faces stiff opposition from congressional Democrats.
Johnson plans to bring the bill to a House vote on Tuesday, relying solely on Republican support to pass it before sending it to the Senate, where it will need at least seven Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster. However, Democrats have criticized the proposal, arguing that it gives President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk too much control over federal spending while cutting key domestic programs.
Democratic Opposition and Policy Concerns
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, released a memo warning that Johnson’s bill would create “slush funds” for the Trump administration, allowing it to reshape spending priorities unilaterally.
According to Murray, the bill’s spending cuts could impact:
- Fentanyl and substance abuse programs
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) research, including Alzheimer’s and vaccine development
- Military and transit improvement projects in Democratic-leaning states
- Washington, D.C.’s local funding, reducing resources for police, firefighters, and teachers
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) emphasized concerns over constitutional authority, arguing that Congress—not the president—holds the power of the purse. “Until I see some assurances that the money will be spent as Congress intends, I’m withholding my vote,” she stated on Meet the Press.
Republican Challenges and Internal Divisions
Johnson has little room for error in passing the bill through the House, where Republicans hold a narrow 218-214 majority. The recent passing of Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) further complicates the vote count.
One Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), has already vowed to oppose the bill, criticizing both parties for failing to rein in government spending. “Unless I get a lobotomy Monday that causes me to forget what I’ve witnessed the past 12 years, I’ll be a NO on the CR this week,” he wrote on X.
The Senate Hurdle
Even if the bill passes the House, it faces a tough battle in the Senate, where it must secure 60 votes to break a filibuster. With Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) opposing the bill, Republicans will need Democratic support. So far, no Democrat has publicly committed to voting for it.
Trump’s Influence
President Trump has thrown his support behind the bill, urging Republicans to pass it and blaming Democrats for any potential shutdown. “Democrats will do anything they can to shut down our Government, and we can’t let that happen,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
What’s Next?
- Tuesday: House votes on the funding bill.
- If passed, the Senate will need to secure bipartisan support to overcome a filibuster.
- If no deal is reached by Friday, a government shutdown will begin, affecting federal employees, services, and programs.
With no clear bipartisan agreement in sight, the path to averting a shutdown remains uncertain.
