Congressional Negotiators Unveil Bill to Avert Government Shutdown, But Challenges Remain
Washington, D.C. – In a move to prevent a partial government shutdown during the crucial first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s term, congressional negotiators have released a comprehensive bill. The 99-page legislation aims to maintain current government funding levels through the beginning of fiscal year (FY) 2026, which commences on October 1. The urgency stems from the approaching deadline of Friday, March 14, when current funding is set to expire.
House GOP leaders express confidence in their ability to pass the bill using Republican votes alone, a feat that has eluded them since assuming the chamber majority in January 2023. This assertion highlights the deep partisan divisions that have plagued government funding negotiations in recent years.
However, House Republican leadership aides emphasized the bill’s close coordination with the White House during a call with reporters on Saturday morning. While stopping short of explicitly stating Trump’s full endorsement, they acknowledged that he has yet to review the specific details of the legislation.
The bill includes an additional $8 billion for defense spending, seemingly intended to alleviate concerns among national security hawks. Simultaneously, non-defense spending, which Congress appropriates annually, would be reduced by approximately $13 billion. The legislation also allocates an additional $6 billion for healthcare for veterans.
The White House had previously requested additional spending in several areas not included in the last government funding extension, known as "anomalies." Among the anomalies requested by Trump and addressed in the bill is increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Aides clarified that the funding is intended to address "an operations shortfall that goes back to the Biden administration." According to a source, "That money, most of that, has already been obligated prior to the start of this administration. So that request reflects an existing hole."
The bill also ensures adherence to spending caps established under the prior bipartisan agreement, the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). The FRA mandated no more than a 1% federal spending increase in FY 2025.
House GOP leadership aides explained that cuts to non-defense discretionary spending would be achieved by eliminating certain "side deals" made during FRA negotiations. Furthermore, lawmakers would not be given the opportunity to request funding for special pet projects in their districts, known as earmarks, which Republicans are categorizing as savings.
Overall, the bill provides for $892.5 billion in discretionary federal defense spending and $708 billion in non-defense discretionary spending. "Discretionary spending" refers to dollars allocated by Congress annually, as opposed to mandatory spending obligations like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
The legislation is structured as a continuing resolution (CR), which differs from Congress’ annual appropriations bills. A CR simply extends the previous fiscal year’s government funding levels and priorities.
This CR would be the third and final extension of FY 2024 numbers, lasting through the remainder of FY 2025. Republicans believe this approach will put them in the best position to negotiate conservative government funding priorities in time for October 1.
The previous two extensions were passed under the Biden administration, when Democrats controlled the Senate. While some Democratic support is necessary to reach the Senate’s 60-vote threshold, it is conceivable that Republicans will have to secure passage in the House alone, given their narrow majority.
Traditionally, House Democrats have voted to avoid government shutdowns. However, Democratic leaders are now instructing lawmakers in the lower chamber to oppose the Republican CR.
In a joint letter to colleagues sent on Friday, House Democratic leaders accused Republicans of attempting to cut Medicare and Medicaid through their CR – despite it being the wrong mechanism to alter such funds. The statement asserted that Republicans have decided to introduce a partisan continuing resolution that threatens to cut funding for healthcare, nutritional assistance, and veterans benefits through the end of the current fiscal year.
The letter continues: "House Democrats would enthusiastically support a bill that protects Social Security, Medicare, veterans health, and Medicaid, but Republicans have chosen to put them on the chopping block to pay for billionaire tax cuts."
House GOP leaders face the challenge of convincing nearly all Republican lawmakers to support the bill, given a history of dozens of conservative defections on CRs over the past two years.
At least one Republican has already signaled his opposition. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, a past CR opponent, wrote on X last week, "I am a NO on the CR. Congress needs to do its job and pass a conservative budget! CR’s are code for Continued Rubberstamp of fraud, waste, and abuse."
GOP leaders are hoping that their close coordination with the White House and a blessing from Trump will be enough to sway any remaining holdouts.
While he has not commented on the specific bill, Trump posted on Truth Social this week, "I am working with the GREAT House Republicans on a Continuing Resolution to fund the Government until September to give us some needed time to work on our Agenda."
Trump further stated, "Conservatives will love this Bill, because it sets us up to cut Taxes and Spending in Reconciliation, all while effectively FREEZING Spending this year."
The coming days will be critical as congressional leaders attempt to navigate the complex political landscape and secure passage of the bill, thereby averting a potentially disruptive government shutdown. The outcome of this legislative battle will have significant implications for the nation’s economy and the stability of government operations. The debate highlights the ongoing struggle between fiscal responsibility and the need to address critical national priorities, a dynamic that is likely to continue shaping the political discourse for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the close coordination between congressional Republicans and the White House underscores the evolving relationship between the legislative and executive branches under President Trump’s leadership.
