The House of Representatives passed a temporary spending bill on Tuesday, aiming to prevent a government shutdown in the lead-up to the midterm elections. The measure ensures federal government operations continue until December 4, extending beyond the September 30 funding deadline and the November 3 election date.
The continuing resolution passed the House with a vote of 202-205. Six Democrats voted with Republicans against the bill, while Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the sole Republican to oppose it.
The bill now moves to the Senate for a vote, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune expected to bring it for consideration before the chamber's month-long August recess.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democrats for voting against the extension, suggesting they might view a government shutdown as politically advantageous before the fall elections. He stated on X that Republicans took a responsible step by passing a clean, short-term continuing resolution, and lamented that "predictably, 204 House Democrats voted against this measure." Johnson further alleged that Democrats have previously forced lengthy shutdowns and are indifferent to the impact on federal workers. He asserted that if a shutdown occurs, "Democrats alone will own the chaos."
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, explained her opposition, noting that the bill does not continue a previous agreement that blocked funding for Border Patrol. DeLauro expressed concern that the legislation "giving the Trump administration permission to use billions provided by this bill to fund Border Patrol without any substantial reforms to how that agency operates."