House Speaker Mike Johnson Proposes Stopgap Funding Bill to Avert Government Shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed a three-month stopgap funding bill to prevent a partial government shutdown. The bill excludes an immigration-related measure demanded by Donald Trump and is aligned with a basic extension of government funding as urged by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. A vote is expected on Wednesday.

In a bid to avert an impending government shutdown, Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has introduced a three-month stopgap funding bill. The proposal notably excludes an immigration-related measure advocated by former President Donald Trump, reflecting a pivot towards bipartisan cooperation.

Presented just eight days before the existing $1.2 trillion in discretionary funding is set to expire on Sept. 30, Johnson's plan aims to secure government operations through Dec. 20. Failure to pass the measure could furlough thousands of federal workers and halt various government functions in the lead-up to the Nov. 5 election.

Endorsed by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the bill mirrors his call for a simple extension of government funding. House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have expressed cautious optimism about reaching a bipartisan agreement to prevent a shutdown that would impact everyday Americans.

(With inputs from agencies.)