Speaker Mike Johnson introduces funding bill to avert shutdown amid party divisions and Democratic opposition

On Saturday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., introduced a short-term funding bill that seeks to prevent a government shutdown at the end of next week. The bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), would fund the government through the end of September, ensuring that federal agencies and services remain operational. Johnson has announced plans to bring the legislation to the House floor for a vote early next week, likely on Tuesday, in a bid to pass it before funding runs out on Friday night. The CR includes an increase in defense spending while cutting non-defense discretionary spending, reflecting the priorities of the Republican majority in the House. However, it does not include funding for emergency relief, disaster assistance, or community projects, which have typically been included in previous funding measures. Johnson emphasized that the bill is not loaded with additional spending measures, stating that it only includes the necessary funding to keep the government running.


Democratic leaders immediately voiced strong opposition to Johnson's proposed bill. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, criticized the CR as a "power grab" for the White House and claimed it would enable "unchecked billionaire Elon Musk and President Trump" to exploit government resources. DeLauro and other Democrats argue that the bill essentially shuts down the negotiation process for more comprehensive funding packages that would better address issues such as healthcare, veterans’ benefits, and social services for the middle class. Democratic leaders have expressed concern that the bill would lead to significant cuts in essential services, particularly in areas like healthcare, nutritional assistance, and veterans’ benefits, which could negatively impact millions of Americans.

In addition to opposition from House Democrats, Senate Democrats have also raised concerns about the bill. If the legislation were to pass the House, it would face a difficult road in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim 53-47 majority. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., would need to secure at least seven Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster and pass the measure, making it highly uncertain whether the bill could succeed in the upper chamber.

Internal Republican Divisions and the Challenge of Passing the Bill
Within the Republican Party, Speaker Johnson faces divisions that could complicate the passage of the stopgap funding bill. With a narrow majority of just 218-214 in the House, Johnson can afford only a few defections among his members. Already, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a vocal critic of Johnson's leadership, has vowed to vote against the bill, further diminishing its chances of success. Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, the chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee, acknowledged that passing the bill in the House would be a significant challenge, with some Republican members opposed to the spending levels and priorities in the CR.

In order to secure enough votes, Johnson will need to rally his party members behind the bill, but the internal divisions could complicate the process. The presence of both hard-right conservatives who are pushing for deep cuts and moderates who want to avoid a government shutdown makes it difficult for Johnson to craft a proposal that satisfies everyone in his party. If the bill fails to pass in the House, it would likely lead to a government shutdown, which both parties are eager to avoid given the potential disruption it would cause.


The looming threat of a government shutdown has significant political and operational consequences. While neither party seems eager for a shutdown, the possibility remains high due to the deep partisan divides over funding priorities. A shutdown would furlough millions of federal workers and disrupt government services across the country, creating a political and economic headache for both parties.

For Republicans, a shutdown could delay critical legislative action on President Trump’s policy agenda, particularly in areas such as border security, energy, and tax cuts. Republicans have been pushing for a reconciliation package that would advance these priorities, but a shutdown would prevent any meaningful progress. On the other hand, Democrats have been using the prospect of cuts in federal spending, including potential layoffs of federal workers, to criticize the Republicans’ fiscal approach. Many Democrats fear that the proposed CR would further slash essential government services, leading to widespread hardship for American citizens.

With President Trump having expressed his willingness to sign the funding bill if it passes both chambers, the clock is ticking for Congress to resolve the funding standoff. However, the deep divide between the parties on the specifics of the CR, along with internal Republican conflicts, makes it unclear whether Congress will manage to avert a shutdown or whether they will continue to struggle to find common ground in the coming days.