GOP Rallies Behind Spending Bill, Democrats Warn of ‘Blank Check’ for Trump

GOP Rallies Behind Spending Bill, Democrats Warn of ‘Blank Check’ for Trump/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Republicans are pushing forward with a government funding bill to avoid a partial shutdown by Saturday, despite strong Democratic opposition. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Vice President JD Vance are rallying support, while Trump urges GOP unity and pressures holdouts like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). The $1.7 trillion bill includes $6 billion in defense increases and $13 billion in non-defense cuts, giving Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) greater control over spending. Democrats call it a “blank check” for Trump, warning of potential funding shifts from social programs to mass deportations. With Senate Democrats waiting to act, a shutdown remains a serious risk if the bill stalls.

Government Funding Battle: Quick Looks

• House Republicans push forward a government funding bill, aiming to avert a partial shutdown by Saturday.
• Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Vice President JD Vance rally GOP support, with Trump demanding party unity.
• The bill cuts $13 billion in non-defense spending and boosts defense by $6 billion, maintaining a $1.7 trillion discretionary budget.
• Democrats oppose the bill, calling it a “blank check” for Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
• Trump pressures holdouts, calling Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) a “grandstander” and threatening to back a primary challenger against him.
• Senate Democrats remain cautious, waiting to see if the bill clears the House before deciding their strategy.
• Democrats propose an alternative bill funding the government through April 11, setting up a potential showdown.
• Washington, D.C. officials warn the bill could force a $1.1 billion cut, slashing funding for education and public safety.

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Deep Look: Republicans Push Ahead With Spending Bill as Shutdown Looms

Republicans Test Unity as Funding Bill Heads for Vote

House Republicans are moving forward with a crucial government funding bill, setting up a major test of party unity as Democrats push back against provisions expanding Trump’s executive power.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) scheduled a Tuesday vote on the bill, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance rallying Republican lawmakers to support it.

“We have to keep the government in operation. It’s a fundamental responsibility,” Johnson said.

With a Saturday shutdown deadline looming, Republicans must secure near-total support from their caucus—and win over some Senate Democrats—to send the bill to Trump’s desk.

What’s in the Bill?

• $1.7 trillion in discretionary spending, including:
  • $892.5 billion for defense (+$6 billion increase).
  • $708 billion for non-defense programs (-$13 billion cut).
• Cuts hundreds of funding directives, giving the Trump administration more control over spending priorities.
• No earmarks, removing funding for special district projects.
• Does not include Social Security and Medicare, as those programs run on automatic funding.

Democrats Warn of ‘Blank Check’ for Trump and Musk’s DOGE

Democrats argue the bill would give the Trump administration too much power over where federal money is allocated, particularly through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk.

“This is not a clean CR. This bill is a blank check for Elon Musk and President Trump,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

A Senate Democratic memo warns that Trump could redirect funds from fentanyl prevention programs to expand mass deportation efforts.

“Trump has endorsed this bill because it gives him power to devastate Democratic states and priorities,” the memo states.

Republican Holdouts and Trump’s Pressure Campaign

While most House Republicans back the bill, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) remains a vocal critic, arguing it does not do enough to reduce the deficit.

“I guess deficits only matter when we’re in the minority,” Massie said.

Trump attacked Massie on social media, calling him a “GRANDSTANDER” and threatening to back a primary challenger.

“HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him,” Trump posted.

The House Freedom Caucus, typically opposed to spending bills, is supporting this one, calling it a “paradigm shift” away from past budgeting practices.

Democrats and Senate Strategy: Waiting for House Vote

House Democratic leaders have urged their members to vote against the bill, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stating:

“House Democrats will not be complicit in the Republican efforts to hurt the American people.”

Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), are waiting to see if House Republicans can pass the bill before taking a stance.

“No comment,” Schumer said when asked about Democratic opposition.

However, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) criticized Republicans for taking a “my way or the highway” approach to government funding.

If the bill reaches the Senate, Republicans will need at least eight Democratic votes for passage.

Democrats Introduce Alternative Funding Bill

As a backup plan, Democrats introduced an alternative bill Monday night to fund the government through April 11, buying more time for negotiations.

“It’ll be up to Democrats whether they want to deliver the votes and keep the government from shutting down,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).

Washington, D.C. Faces Budget Crisis Under GOP Bill

The bill’s funding freeze would hit Washington, D.C. particularly hard, forcing $1.1 billion in budget cuts.

• Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) warned that D.C. would be forced to cut funding for public safety, education, and economic growth programs.
• City officials and residents protested outside the Capitol, urging Congress to reject the measure.

“If Congress goes through with this, it will work against a priority that President Trump and I share: making Washington, D.C. the most beautiful city in the world,” Bowser said.

What’s Next?

With a Saturday shutdown deadline, all eyes are on House Republicans as they attempt to pass the bill without Democratic support.

• If the bill clears the House, Senate Democrats will face pressure to approve it or risk a shutdown.
• If it fails, Democrats’ alternative funding bill could become the next option.
• A government shutdown could impact federal workers, military personnel, and essential services, making this vote a major test of Trump’s leadership.

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