Congressional leaders reached a last-minute agreement on Sunday to fund the government through December 20, avoiding a looming government shutdown ahead of the September 30 deadline. The deal, a continuing resolution (CR), drops the conservative immigration proposal championed by former President Donald Trump, which would have required proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Averting the Shutdown
The House is expected to vote on the funding bill by mid-week. Speaker Mike Johnson had initially pushed for a six-month funding plan, which included the controversial voter registration proposal, but it failed after 14 Republicans joined Democrats to oppose it. This led House Republicans to negotiate with Democrats on the current short-term CR, which strips out partisan policies and maintains government funding at existing levels through December 20.
Johnson’s pivot to a more bipartisan bill signals an effort to prevent a politically damaging shutdown just weeks before the election. While dozens of conservatives are expected to oppose the measure, Democratic leaders quickly embraced the deal. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed optimism that the CR would pass in both chambers, stating, “If both sides continue to work in good faith, I am hopeful that we can wrap up work on the CR this week.”
The New CR and Key Provisions
The CR includes $231 million in funding for the Secret Service, particularly for protective operations during the 2024 presidential campaign. However, this funding is tied to a requirement that the agency submits a report on its investigation into the July 13 shooting, as well as the two assassination attempts against Trump, to a House task force and Senate committee.
In addition, the legislation sets a timeline for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to respond to letters sent by the House task force last month. These provisions highlight the ongoing concerns over security failures following the attempted attacks.
Challenges Ahead for Speaker Johnson
Though Johnson has secured a temporary solution, he still faces significant challenges from his conservative base. Many on the right are likely to oppose the CR, arguing that it fails to address key Republican priorities like immigration reform. Johnson will need near-unanimous support from House Republicans to bring the bill to the floor, or he may have to rely on Democrats to help pass it.
This CR sets the stage for another high-stakes funding fight in December, just before the holidays. As Johnson works to secure his leadership position within the GOP, the outcome of this funding battle will be a crucial test of his ability to navigate the divisions within his party. With Republicans eyeing a potential House majority after the November election, the speaker will need to balance appeasing his right flank with preventing a politically risky shutdown.
Political Implications
The timing of the CR places the next funding deadline just weeks before the 2024 presidential election, creating another potential flashpoint in the budget battle. Johnson acknowledged the political risks of a shutdown, writing in his Dear Colleague letter that “shutting the government down less than 40 days from a fateful election would be an act of political malpractice.”
The short-term bill represents a delicate compromise between keeping the government open and navigating the ideological divides within the GOP. Johnson’s ability to manage this balancing act will be crucial as he seeks to maintain his leadership role heading into the next session of Congress.
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