Funding Bill Averts Shutdown

The House of Representatives, facing a looming government shutdown, has approved a short-term spending bill to keep the lights on through December 20th. But the decision, a move that postpones the debate on full-year funding levels for federal programs until after the election, has sparked a firestorm of criticism within the GOP, highlighting the deep divisions within the party and the precarious political landscape heading into the November elections.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, facing a divided chamber, had to rely on Democratic votes to pass the bill, a decision that has drawn ire from his own party's far-right wing. They argue that the speaker should have pushed for significant spending cuts and instead of resorting to a short-term measure, which they see as a continuation of "kicking the can down the road."

However, other Republicans, particularly those in swing districts, have expressed concerns about the potential blowback from voters if a shutdown were to occur. They argue that the party would be blamed for the disruption, potentially jeopardizing their re-election chances. The short-term bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), maintains current spending levels across most programs, effectively delaying the larger fight over individual spending bills until after the election.

The bill also includes a $231 million increase in funding for the U.S. Secret Service, a move prompted by recent assassination attempts on former President Trump. However, this increase is achieved by shifting funds from existing accounts, not by adding to the overall budget.

The Republican divide over funding bills in a divided government is a familiar dynamic that has plagued the party since they took control of the House in the 2022 midterms. Hardliners continue to push for drastic cuts in domestic programs and partisan policy riders on spending bills, while more moderate Republicans, facing tough re-election battles, argue that the party needs to demonstrate its ability to govern effectively.