The Republican-controlled House voted Friday to pass a temporary measure aimed at keeping the federal government funded until just before Thanksgiving, setting up a showdown with Senate Democrats who have already signaled their opposition. The narrow vote outcome puts the nation on track for another potential budget standoff at the end of the month.
Breakdown of the Vote
The measure passed in the House by a 217-212 margin. Only one Democrat, Representative Jared Golden of Maine, sided with Republicans in support of the bill. Opposition came from two Republicans, Representatives Tim Burchett of Tennessee and Victoria Spartz of Indiana, who joined all other Democrats in voting against it.
The legislation now advances to the Senate, where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and other Democrats have pledged to reject it. They have presented their own competing proposal, though both plans are widely expected to fail when they reach the Senate floor.
Competing Funding Proposals
The House version of the continuing resolution, often referred to as a CR, extends government funding at current levels until November 21 without introducing new policy changes. Republicans describe the measure as a straightforward approach to prevent a shutdown and allow more time for negotiations on a long-term spending deal.
In contrast, the Senate Democratic plan would fund the government only until October 31 and includes policy measures that Republicans strongly oppose. These provisions would permanently extend Affordable Care Act subsidies due to expire at the end of the year, reverse Medicaid cuts from former President Donald Trump’s legislation, and restore funding that Democrats say was cut in areas such as foreign aid and public broadcasting.
Schumer told reporters Thursday, “Democrats have a different option. We address the crises Americans face in health care, in Medicaid, in inflation and in higher costs.” He also accused Trump of directing congressional Republican leaders not to negotiate with Democrats, saying, “Donald Trump made it clear, don’t even bother dealing with the Democrats. Thune and Johnson listen to Trump. They are not independent actors. They don’t represent an independent Congress, an independent House or an independent Senate. And when Donald Trump says don’t negotiate with Democrats, they don’t and come up with 20 excuses.”
