House GOP Delays Stopgap Funding Plan What You Need to Know

GOP Leaders Hit Pause on Funding Bill On Wednesday, House Republicans decided to delay their six-month temporary funding plan just hours before it was supposed to be voted on. Speaker Mike Johnson announced they will push the vote to next week as they try to address concerns from within their party and reach an agreement.

The bill faced strong opposition from various Republican groups, including conservatives and defense supporters. Speaker Johnson mentioned they are having “family conversations” to resolve these issues and build support. He also stressed that the effort to gather votes will continue through the weekend.

It’s unclear if the extra time will help, as significant changes may be needed to win over opponents. The proposed bill would fund the government until March 28 and include a measure requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, known as the SAVE Act. However, nearly a dozen Republicans have stated they will vote against it.

With a potential government shutdown looming in less than three weeks, GOP leaders haven’t outlined an alternative plan. Speaker Johnson emphasized the importance of the SAVE Act, even as the vote was postponed. He challenged members of Congress to justify why only U.S. citizens shouldn’t vote in U.S. elections.

Possibility of a Short-Term Solution

If the current plan fails, House Republicans might end up with a shorter, three-month funding extension supported by Democrats and the White House. The Senate has not yet proposed its own plan.

House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole acknowledged that a December deadline seems likely, though it could be extended. Some Democrats who previously supported the SAVE Act are now less inclined to back Johnson’s bill due to its association with the spending plan.

Defense hawks argue that a six-month funding freeze would be harmful to the military. Congressman Ken Calvert, who oversees the Pentagon’s budget, believes a shorter, “clean” funding extension would be more appropriate.

Rep. Steve Womack pointed out that any solution will need bipartisan support to pass both the Senate and the White House. The Biden administration is advocating for a temporary funding measure through December, along with additional aid for disaster relief, veterans, and other needs.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a top Democratic appropriator, stated that any final funding deal will need to include extra aid for disasters and the Department of Veterans Affairs. She called for negotiations among key leaders to reach a bipartisan agreement.