House GOP votes on Trump-backed spending bill to prevent shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a plan to prevent a partial government shutdown at the end of the month during a phone call with lawmakers. The proposed stopgap spending bill aims to defer federal funding disputes until March, coinciding with a new administration and congressional term. Johnson believes this approach has significant merit, arguing that a December continuing resolution (CR) would likely lead to further funding issues in the new year. During the call, some Republican lawmakers expressed concerns about the plan. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis suggested linking the CR to measures addressing the border crisis, which is a pressing issue in her district. Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Massie opposed the plan, advocating for a mandatory 1% government spending cut that would be triggered if a CR is in effect by April 30. The bill is expected to require a simple majority to pass in the House, which poses a challenge given Johnson's slim majority. If the House approves the measure, it is unlikely to gain traction in the Senate, particularly under Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has previously expressed opposition to similar proposals. The situation reflects the ongoing tensions within Congress regarding government funding and the need for bipartisan cooperation. As lawmakers navigate these challenges, the outcome of Johnson's plan could significantly impact future legislative efforts and the government's operational stability.