House Votes Wednesday to Extend Government Funding with Democratic Support

The House is set to vote on a government funding extension that will last until December 20, aiming to prevent a government shutdown. Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to rely heavily on Democratic votes to pass the bill, as internal GOP divisions complicate the situation. Johnson has faced pressure from GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, who demands the passage of the SAVE Act alongside funding, but many Republicans warn that a shutdown could jeopardize their majority in the House. Last week, Johnson proposed a six-month spending bill that included the SAVE Act, but it faced significant opposition from conservative members who are against any short-term funding measures. During a meeting with the House Freedom Caucus, Johnson expressed his limited options for keeping the government operational. He assured his colleagues that he would avoid a large omnibus spending bill at the end of the year, which is often met with resistance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the Senate would vote on the extension after it passes the House, indicating a bipartisan effort to avert a shutdown. Senate GOP Whip John Thune expressed confidence that the Senate would quickly approve the funding extension, although he acknowledged the situation remains fluid. The ongoing struggle over government funding is likely to influence the upcoming GOP leadership race following the November elections. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has been actively engaging with House Republicans, using traditional gestures of appreciation to strengthen party unity during this challenging period.