GOP Pushes Funding Bill without Democratic Support Ahead of Deadline/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ With a March 14 deadline looming, House Republicans are attempting to pass a government funding bill without Democratic support, a rare move in budget negotiations. Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed a continuing resolution (CR) that maintains 2024 spending levels for six months while Republicans work on further spending cuts. Backed by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, the GOP hopes to push the bill through the House and force Senate Democrats to comply or face blame for a government shutdown. However, Democrats warn that the bill’s provisions could severely impact essential programs.
GOP Budget Stand-Off: Quick Look
- Republican Strategy
- GOP aims to pass a continuing resolution (CR) without Democratic votes.
- Funding remains at 2024 levels for six months while spending cuts are identified.
- Trump supports the plan, increasing pressure on Republican lawmakers to comply.
- Democratic Concerns
- Democrats argue the bill would slash funding for key programs.
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer insists on a bipartisan agreement.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warns that the CR is a “partisan power grab.”
- Potential Impacts & Consequences
- If passed, the bill would allow Elon Musk’s DOGE to cut more federal programs.
- GOP is using this approach to focus on tax cuts and raising the debt ceiling.
- A government shutdown could occur if the Senate rejects the CR.
- Political Calculations
- Republicans believe Democrats will cave rather than risk blame for a shutdown.
- Democrats argue that the GOP is undermining critical services.
- Talks continue behind the scenes for a Plan B budget deal.
GOP Pushes Funding Bill without Democratic Support Ahead of Deadline
Deep Look: GOP’s High-Stakes Budget Gamble
Republicans Take a Rare Stand on Spending Bill
For years, passing a government funding bill required bipartisan cooperation. However, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Republicans are making a bold move—trying to push through funding on their terms, with minimal Democratic input.
The bill would fund federal agencies at 2024 spending levels until September 30. Normally, Republicans lack the votes to pass such measures alone, but Trump’s influence has kept GOP lawmakers in line.
Trump wrote on social media:
“Let’s get this Bill done!”
Key backers include:
- Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), who usually opposes CRs but supports this one.
- Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), who argues a spending freeze allows Republicans time to find more cuts.
Roy stated:
“Somebody tell me how that’s not a win in Washington.”
Democrats Push Back Against GOP Tactics
While Republicans believe they can force Senate Democrats into passing their bill, Democrats strongly oppose this approach.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) warned:
“We cannot stand by and accept a yearlong power grab CR that would help Elon take a chainsaw to programs that families rely on.”
Schumer said:
“We’ve always believed the only solution is a bipartisan solution.”
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the bill as a threat to key social programs, including veteran benefits and nutritional assistance.
Jeffries stated:
“This partisan continuing resolution threatens to cut funding for critical programs. That is not acceptable.”
Why Is the GOP Taking This Approach?
Republicans want to shift focus away from spending fights and toward tax cuts and the debt ceiling. By locking in current funding levels, they hope to:
- Extend the Trump-era individual tax cuts before they expire.
- Negotiate higher debt limits to prevent a federal default.
- Support Elon Musk’s DOGE efforts to cut government spending.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) clarified:
“This bill doesn’t preclude negotiations. It just sets the foundation.”
What Happens Next?
- March 14 Deadline: Congress must pass a funding bill to avoid a shutdown.
- Senate’s Response: If Democrats reject the bill, negotiations for a compromise will be necessary.
- Plan B Negotiations: A backup deal is already being discussed behind closed doors.
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