House Republicans Push Spending Bill Ahead, Risking Confrontation with Democrats
TL/DR –
House Republicans have introduced a spending bill which aims to keep federal agencies funded until September 30, providing a minor increase to defense programs and reducing nondefense programs below 2024 budget year levels. The bill does not contain funding requested for thousands of community projects, known as earmarks, and doesn’t cover a majority of government spending, such as Social Security and Medicare. Democrats have been critical of the plan, with leaders warning that moving ahead without bipartisan consultation increases the likelihood of a shutdown and expressing concerns about the power it would give to the Trump administration.
House GOP Present Spending Bill Amid Shutdown Risk
House Republicans presented a spending bill on Saturday to fund federal agencies till September 30, opting for an independent strategy that may cause a significant clash with Democrats regarding government spending. The 99-page bill would slightly increase defense programs while cutting nondefense programs below 2024 budget year levels.
The bill, championed by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is scheduled for a vote on Tuesday. This bold move disregards Democrats’ approval, practically daring them to vote against it and risk a shutdown. Johnson believes the bill can pass through the House with predominantly Republican support.
President Donald Trump supports this strategy, as he expresses on social media “Let’s get this Bill done!”. The proposal includes about $892.5 billion for defense spending and about $708 billion for nondefense spending, which is 8% less than before.
Notably, side agreements designed to shield nondefense programs from cuts are absent. These agreements were part of negotiations by Democratic President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., when in office. This bill also excludes funding requests by individual lawmakers for community projects across the country, commonly known as earmarks.
Key government functions such as Social Security and Medicare are not affected by this bill as their funding operates automatically without routine Congressional review. The bill does, however, have the support of Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who believe in the bill’s potential to make a significant impact on the nation’s debt.
Democrats warn that this unilateral move could heighten shutdown risk. They voice concerns over the level of control the Trump administration would have regarding spending. Democrats are ready to negotiate a “meaningful, bipartisan spending agreement.”, shares House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
President Trump is actively meeting with House Republicans to garner their support for the legislation. The Republicans, although in majority, can only afford one defection if Democrats unite in opposition. The situation is more challenging in the Senate, where at least seven Democrats would be required to vote for the legislation to overcome a filibuster.
—
Read More US Political News