GOP Loses Against Democrats As $1.2 Trillion Funding Package to Prevent Government Shutdown Advances to Senate

By Thea Felicity

Mar 22, 2024 02:03 PM EDT

Republican Study Committee Members Hold News Conference On 2025 Budget Proposal — WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 21: Republican Study Committee Budget and Spending Task Force member Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), joins other committee members for a news conference to introduce their FY2025 federal budget proposal at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center on March 21, 2024 in Washington, DC. Comprised of conservative Republican members of the House of Representatives, the proposed budget aims to "balances in just seven years, cuts spending by $16.7 trillion over ten years, and reduces taxes on Americans by $5.3 trillion over ten years," all while "protecting" Social Security and Medicare.
(Photo : Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The U.S. House has successfully passed a $1.2 trillion government funding package in a bid to prevent a partial government shutdown ahead of the upcoming deadline. The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration, according to ABC News.

Despite facing opposition from far-right members of the Republican caucus, the package was approved in a 286-134 vote, with more Democrats supporting the bill than Republicans. However, over 100 GOP lawmakers voted against it.

Introduced in the House under suspension of the rules, the bill required a two-thirds majority vote for passage. House Speaker Mike Johnson, navigating a divided chamber, once again relied on Democrats to advance the bills.

The funding package, viewed as a major bipartisan effort in the House, encompasses funding for six bills: Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Labor and Health and Human Services, Education, Legislative Branch, and State and Foreign Operations.

If the package secures approval from both chambers, it will ensure government funding through the end of the fiscal year, September 30. Additionally, it will end the recurring threat of government shutdowns, which have loomed multiple times since October due to continuing resolution cycles.

Why the GOP Opposed The Funding Package

Members of the House Freedom Caucus expressed frustration with the funding package, particularly regarding border security and immigration issues. However, despite their objections, the bill proceeded to the Senate.

With the House having completed its part, attention now turns to the Senate, where a race against the clock ensues to pass the funding bills before the looming deadline. However, potential hurdles remain, including the need for unanimous agreement among senators to expedite the bill's passage and disagreements over proposed amendments.

Negotiations are still ongoing behind the scenes to ensure the timely passage of the funding package.

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