House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-LA) proposal to avert a government shutdown has garnered support from congressional Democratic leadership, indicating a likely success despite potential delays from hard-right GOP members. The bill, set for consideration this week, aims to fund the federal government through December 20, without any additional legislation attached.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) expressed his satisfaction with the bipartisan agreement but cautioned about the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that time is critical as the government faces funding expiration just over a week away. Schumer remarked, 'While I am pleased bipartisan negotiations quickly led to a government funding agreement free of cuts and poison pills, this same agreement could have been done two weeks ago.'
In the House, the stopgap measure must pass through the Rules Committee, where three hard-right Republicans could pose challenges. Despite this, Republican leadership is expected to secure enough Democratic support to pass the proposal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has indicated backing for the stopgap, asserting that Congress is on a bipartisan path to prevent a government shutdown that would negatively impact everyday Americans.
The proposal comes as Republicans aim to regain control of the Senate in the upcoming November elections, while the balance of power in the House remains uncertain. If approved, discussions for the next funding bill for fiscal 2025 will follow the elections, determining the future control of Congress.