House Republicans push controversial stopgap bill amid government shutdown threat
Kumar Shivam | Mar 12, 2025, 01:02 IST
( Image credit : AP )
House Republicans are advancing a stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, but it faces intense opposition from Democrats. The bill includes deep cuts to social services and an increase in military spending, all aligned with Trump’s priorities. While the bill has support within the Republican party, it faces challenges in both the House and Senate, with Democrats accusing Republicans of undermining vulnerable Americans.
On Tuesday, House Republicans are taking a significant gamble, seeking to pass a stopgap bill that would fund the government until September. The bill aims to avert a looming shutdown, yet it has sparked fierce opposition. The legislation includes drastic cuts to non-defense spending and significant boosts to defense and border enforcement. With Republicans holding a narrow majority, they are pushing forward with a near party-line vote to keep the government running.
Bill's Controversial Provisions Spark Backlash
The bill proposes slashing $13 billion from non-defense spending, a move that Democrats argue will harm vulnerable groups. At the same time, the proposal includes an additional $6 billion for military budgets and keeps a $20 billion freeze on IRS funding. These provisions align closely with Donald Trump’s priorities, including his focus on military spending and tax cuts, but have been denounced by Democrats, who see them as harmful to children, families, and veterans.
Republican Unity and Democratic Resistance
Republicans are facing a thin margin in the House, holding just a 218-214 majority, which leaves little room for defections. While some Republicans have expressed concerns, the party is largely united in pushing for the bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance have emphasized that failure to pass the measure would be a Republican responsibility. On the other hand, Democrats have solidified their opposition to the bill, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it a direct attack on social services and vulnerable populations.
Senate's Role in the Bill's Passage
Even if the bill passes the House, the Senate poses another significant obstacle. While Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, they need at least 60 votes to pass the legislation. For this to happen, eight Democratic senators would need to cross party lines, which is unlikely. Some Senate Democrats, like John Fetterman and Ron Wyden, have shown openness to supporting the bill to prevent a shutdown, but others, including Elissa Slotkin, are demanding greater accountability before lending their support.
Bill's Controversial Provisions Spark Backlash
The bill proposes slashing $13 billion from non-defense spending, a move that Democrats argue will harm vulnerable groups. At the same time, the proposal includes an additional $6 billion for military budgets and keeps a $20 billion freeze on IRS funding. These provisions align closely with Donald Trump’s priorities, including his focus on military spending and tax cuts, but have been denounced by Democrats, who see them as harmful to children, families, and veterans.
Republican Unity and Democratic Resistance
Republicans are facing a thin margin in the House, holding just a 218-214 majority, which leaves little room for defections. While some Republicans have expressed concerns, the party is largely united in pushing for the bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance have emphasized that failure to pass the measure would be a Republican responsibility. On the other hand, Democrats have solidified their opposition to the bill, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it a direct attack on social services and vulnerable populations.
Senate's Role in the Bill's Passage
Even if the bill passes the House, the Senate poses another significant obstacle. While Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, they need at least 60 votes to pass the legislation. For this to happen, eight Democratic senators would need to cross party lines, which is unlikely. Some Senate Democrats, like John Fetterman and Ron Wyden, have shown openness to supporting the bill to prevent a shutdown, but others, including Elissa Slotkin, are demanding greater accountability before lending their support.