In a decisive 336-95 vote, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives has approved a two-step measure aimed at avoiding a partial government shutdown. This short-term funding measure will now be presented to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has expressed his commitment to swiftly address the issue, as funding is scheduled to run out after Friday.
House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who assumed leadership of the narrowly divided chamber just three weeks ago, faced opposition from the House Freedom Caucus and other hardline Republicans within his party. Consequently, he had to rely on House Democrats to secure the necessary votes.
The passing resolution proposed by Johnson seeks to extend government funding for certain agencies and programs until Jan. 19, and for others until Feb. 2. The speaker believes that this approach is crucial in order to put House Republicans in a strong negotiating position. He argues that it will prevent them from being pressured by the Senate into approving a massive spending bill introduced right before the holiday season.
