House Passes Funding Bill, Averting Government Shutdown Ahead of Senate Vote

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives passed a funding bill Tuesday, narrowly avoiding a partial government shutdown by authorizing federal agencies to operate through September 2025. The bill, passed by a vote of 217-213, now moves to the Senate, where it will require bipartisan support to secure its passage.

Only one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voted against the measure, while Rep. Jared Golden of Maine was the lone Democratic supporter. The outcome marks a significant moment for Republicans, who have historically depended on Democratic votes to avert such shutdowns, particularly in a divided Congress.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed satisfaction following the vote, emphasizing the necessity of action to prevent a government shutdown, which is set to begin Saturday. “We did our job today,” Johnson said, reinforcing his party’s position ahead of the Senate’s deliberation.

In the Senate, at least eight Democratic votes will be required for the bill to advance to President Donald Trump’s desk for approval. Without these votes, the prospect of a government shutdown looms, which neither party wants to face as the deadline approaches.

The proposed spending plan includes a $6 billion increase for defense spending while imposing a $13 billion reduction in non-defense allocations compared to the previous year’s budget. Critics, particularly among Democrats, have voiced concerns about the bill’s implications for executive authority, particularly as it relates to spending oversight.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, condemned the legislation, arguing it compromises congressional control over spending. “This is Republican leadership handing over the keys of the government and a blank check to Elon Musk and President Trump,” DeLauro stated.

Trump, supportive of the bill, urged Republican unity, advocating for solid backing among party members. “We are united in our mission to deliver the America First agenda,” Johnson said in reference to Trump’s influence on Republican legislators. The bill does not include funding for Social Security and Medicare, which are considered mandatory spending programs and can operate independently of legislative appropriation.

Contentious issues remain surrounding the authority granted to the executive branch under this new budget. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which administers spending cuts recommended by Trump’s advisors, has already raised alarms among Democratic leaders concerned about potential cuts to critical social programs, including those combating drug-related issues such as fentanyl.

As the Senate prepares for what may be a contentious debate, it is unclear how Democrats will ultimately decide to approach the bill. Some lawmakers, like Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, have denounced the measure, labeling it a “shutdown bill” and urging their colleagues to impede its progress toward enactment.

Moreover, if Senate Democrats oppose the bill, they risk facing backlash from their constituents over the potential of a government shutdown. “It looks like they’re going to try to shut down the government,” Johnson warned, highlighting the consequences of inaction.

The implications of the funding bill extend beyond Congress, with District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser indicating that the measure could force the district to cut $1.1 billion within the next six months. Such cuts would ultimately impact essential public services, such as education and public safety.

As discussions continue, the fate of the bill—and the potential for a government shutdown—remains uncertain. With mere days left before funding expires, the pressure is mounting on both parties to find common ground and avert significant disruption.