Showdown Over Federal Funding as House Passes Stopgap Bill

The U.S. House passed a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown, amidst President Trump's cuts to federal spending. The vote closely followed party lines, and the Senate must pass it by Friday. The bill funds the government through September 30, stirring bipartisan tension.

On Tuesday, the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a stopgap bill to maintain federal agency funding beyond Friday, effectively averting a partial government shutdown this weekend. The vote was primarily split along party lines with results of 217-213, with one Republican opposing and one Democrat supporting the bill.

This continuing resolution aims to keep government funding at its current level through September 30. To prevent a shutdown, it requires approval from the Republican-majority Senate and the signature of President Trump by Friday. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have been urging Republican unity concerning this measure.

Historically resistant to stopgap measures, some hardline Republican lawmakers backed this bill, marking a shift since the Republican majority was established in January 2023. Representative Andy Harris, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, voiced support, citing alignment with Trump's and advisor Elon Musk's efforts to trim government size. Opposition from Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro highlights the partisan divide as Democrats criticized the strategy for risking federal workers' welfare.

(With inputs from agencies.)