Washington, DC – As the key government funding deadline looms just days away, congressional leaders from both parties have unveiled a deal aimed at preventing a shutdown until March. However, the tight schedule offers little room for error in passing the necessary legislation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released a text for a continuing resolution on Sunday night to extend government funding into March. This legislation must successfully pass through both chambers of Congress by the end of the week to avoid a partial lapse in government funding.
Johnson emphasized in a statement that the short-term spending bill is crucial for achieving House Republicans’ goals, including putting an end to governance by omnibus, securing meaningful policy wins, and better stewardship of American tax dollars.
The two-tiered continuing resolution deal, funding the government beyond both shutdown deadlines through March 1 and March 8, was reached shortly before the first funding deadline of January 19. However, Johnson, facing pressure from hardliners and moderates within his narrow majority, has already faced criticism for a spending deal with Schumer announced earlier this month.
The House Freedom Caucus, a conservative group, promptly criticized Johnson’s proposal upon its release, branding it as a form of surrender. With opposition from conservatives, bipartisan support in both chambers will likely be necessary to swiftly pass the legislation before Friday’s deadline, as acknowledged by Schumer.
In addition to the looming funding deadline, House Republicans are actively pursuing their oversight agenda against the Biden administration. Plans include a vote to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress and a second impeachment hearing into Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Democrats criticize these efforts as politically motivated, arguing that Republicans should prioritize preventing a shutdown.
Lawmakers are facing an unusual situation with two government shutdown deadlines in early January and February. Stopgap legislation passed in November extended funding until January 19 for priorities such as military construction, veterans’ affairs, transportation, housing, and the Energy Department. The remaining government funding is extended until February 2.
Despite pressure from conservatives urging Johnson to abandon the spending deal with Schumer, the Louisiana Republican has affirmed his commitment to the agreement, setting spending at close to $1.66 trillion overall.
