House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is planning to vote on Tuesday on a bill that, if passed, will avert a partial government shutdown during the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s term.
Republicans don’t have much support from Democrats, so Johnson believes Republicans can pass the 99-page bill mostly on their own. By Friday, March 14, Congress must act to keep parts of the government open. Trump called for Republicans to unite and support the bill, stressing the need for stability until September.
While some Republicans, like Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., oppose the bill, others, including Rep. Ralph Norman, support it despite their reluctance toward Continuing Resolutions (CR). The bill includes defense spending increases, but cuts non-defense programs and allocates money for veterans’ health care.
However, Democratic leaders, like Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Patty Murray, oppose the bill, arguing it strengthens Trump’s and Musk’s influence over federal spending.