A bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives has moved Congress one step closer to averting a potential government shutdown just days before the October 1 deadline.

Fox News reported that the House passed a short-term funding measure on Wednesday, extending current fiscal year spending levels through December 20.

The bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), garnered significant support from both parties, with more Democrats voting in favor than Republicans.

The measure passed with a vote of 341 to 82, with 132 House GOP lawmakers supporting the bill. All 82 "no" votes came from Republican members. This outcome represents a victory for Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who managed to secure majority Republican support despite opposition from some fiscal conservatives within his party.

Bipartisan Support And Republican Dissent

The passage of the CR highlights the complex dynamics within the Republican party. While a majority of GOP members voted in favor of the measure, a significant number remained opposed, citing concerns about extending current spending levels and potentially setting the stage for a large omnibus spending bill in December.

Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, expressed his frustration with the process, stating, "We are condemned to a Christmas lame-duck omnibus." This sentiment was echoed by other conservative members who worry that the short-term extension will lead to rushed negotiations and a lack of fiscal restraint at the end of the year.

Despite these concerns, Speaker Johnson has publicly committed to avoiding an omnibus spending bill in December. He emphasized this point, saying:

There won't be a Christmas omnibus. Somebody asked me in the hallway a little while ago, 'Will there be mini-buses?' We don't want any buses. We're not going to do any buses.

Compromise And Strategic Considerations

The CR that passed the House represents a compromise from Johnson's original plan. Initially, he proposed a six-month funding extension and measures to prevent noncitizens from registering to vote in U.S. elections. However, this plan failed to gain sufficient support within his own party.

The new CR is a more straightforward funding extension, adding $231 million for the U.S. Secret Service. This allocation comes in response to two recent foiled assassination attempts against former President Trump, addressing security concerns while maintaining broader bipartisan appeal.

Some allies of Trump have advocated for extending funding into the new year, hoping for potential Republican gains in the upcoming election. However, the current CR's December 20 deadline suggests a different strategy from that of House leadership.

Senate Prospects And White House Response

With the House having passed the measure, attention now turns to the Senate. The upper chamber is expected to consider the bill on Thursday, setting the stage for potential quick passage and presidential approval before the October 1 deadline.

Both the White House and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have signaled support for the current deal. This alignment between the Democrat-led Senate, the White House, and the Republican-controlled House increases the likelihood of averting a government shutdown.

President Biden's anticipated signature on the bill would mark a significant bipartisan achievement in an otherwise contentious political landscape, particularly as the 2024 election season approaches.

Looking Ahead To December Negotiations

While the passage of this CR provides temporary relief, it also sets the stage for potentially challenging negotiations in December.

Speaker Johnson and House Republicans will face pressure to deliver on promises of fiscal restraint and avoid the type of large spending packages that have drawn criticism from conservative members in the past.

The December 20 deadline coincides with the holiday season, a time when lawmakers typically aim to conclude business and return to their districts. This timing could create additional pressure to reach a swift agreement, potentially reigniting debates about the appropriations process and government spending levels.

Some Republicans, particularly those aligned with the House Freedom Caucus, may continue to push for individual consideration of the 12 appropriations bills rather than a consolidated approach. How leadership navigates these competing demands will be crucial in determining the success of future funding negotiations.

Conclusion

The House's passage of the continuing resolution marks a significant step towards avoiding an immediate government shutdown. The bipartisan support for the measure, coupled with Speaker Johnson's commitment to resist an omnibus spending bill, sets the stage for crucial negotiations in December. As the bill moves to the Senate and potentially to the President's desk, attention will shift to the challenges of reconciling diverse fiscal priorities within a tight timeframe later this year.