Trump Urges GOP Unity on Spending Bill to Avoid Government Shutdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ With a March 14 deadline looming, House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing a spending bill to prevent a partial government shutdown, but Republican divisions and Democratic opposition threaten its passage. Trump has urged GOP unity, calling on Republicans to support the bill, which would fund federal agencies through Sept. 30 with $892.5 billion for defense and $708 billion for non-defense spending. Some conservatives oppose the measure, arguing it delays critical spending cuts, while Democrats reject it as a “power grab” for Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Without a deal, the government could partially shut down by Friday.
Government Shutdown Talks: Quick Looks
- House Speaker Mike Johnson set to hold a Tuesday vote on a funding bill to prevent a partial government shutdown by March 14.
- Trump urges Republicans to support the bill, warning against Democratic efforts to shut down the government.
- Legislation would fund federal agencies until Sept. 30, with $892.5 billion for defense and $708 billion for non-defense spending.
- Some Republicans oppose the bill, arguing it fails to cut enough spending and continues past budget policies.
- Democrats reject the measure, calling it a “power grab” for Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
- Key provisions include $6 billion for veterans’ healthcare and increased funding for ICE.
- Trump has not reviewed the full 99-page bill, but GOP leaders say it was coordinated with the White House.
Deep Look: Trump Rallies GOP Support as Congress Races to Avert Government Shutdown
House Republicans Push for Spending Bill as Shutdown Looms
With the March 14 deadline approaching, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is rushing to pass a spending bill that would keep federal agencies funded through Sept. 30. However, Republican divisions and Democratic opposition threaten its passage.
Trump urged full GOP support, writing on TRUTHSocial:
“The House and Senate have put together, under the circumstances, a very good funding Bill (‘CR’)! All Republicans should vote (Please!) YES next week… We have to remain UNITED — NO DISSENT — Fight for another day when the timing is right.”
Despite Trump’s push, conservative hardliners remain skeptical, with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) vowing to vote against it.
“We were told the CR in December would get us to March when we would fight. Here we are in March, punting again!” Massie posted on X.
What’s in the Bill?
The 99-page spending bill includes:
- $892.5 billion in discretionary defense spending.
- $708 billion for non-defense programs.
- $6 billion for veterans’ healthcare.
- $8 billion in additional defense funding to appease national security hawks.
- No earmarks, cutting discretionary funding for special pet projects.
The bill maintains spending caps from the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), limiting spending growth to 1% in FY 2025.
One major Republican complaint: the bill extends funding without deeper cuts, delaying key battles on government waste and overspending.
GOP Divide: Some Back Trump’s Call, Others Remain Opposed
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), who has never voted for a continuing resolution, says he will support Johnson’s plan because of trust in Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“I don’t like CRs,” Norman said. “But what’s the alternative? Negotiate with Democrats? No.”
Meanwhile, House GOP leadership insists the bill was coordinated with the White House, though Trump has not reviewed the full text yet.
Democrats Strongly Oppose the Bill
House and Senate Democratic leaders have rejected the bill, claiming it shifts power to Trump and Musk over federal spending priorities.
“The legislation would give Donald Trump and Elon Musk more power over federal spending,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), the House Minority Leader, confirmed:
“We are voting NO.”
Democrats also criticize the bill for not including protections for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, warning it paves the way for cuts to pay for Trump’s proposed tax extensions.
What Happens Next?
If Congress fails to pass the bill by March 14, a partial government shutdown will begin, impacting:
- Military personnel and Border Patrol agents, who must work without pay.
- Air traffic controllers and TSA agents, leading to potential airport delays.
- Federal agencies, forcing temporary closures and service disruptions.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) emphasized the urgent need to prevent a shutdown, stating:
“We cannot allow this to occur.”
With Republicans divided and Democrats united in opposition, Speaker Johnson faces a tough fight to pass the bill before Friday’s deadline.
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