House passes funding bill to keep government operational until after midterms

WASHINGTON — The House approved a bipartisan funding bill on Tuesday that will keep the federal government fully operational until after the November 3 midterm elections. The House sent the bill to President Trump for his signature by approving the measure with a vote of 370-48. Republican leadership secured passage of the bill, which funds the government through December 11, on lawmakers’ second day back in Washington from a five-week recess. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) addressed reporters, stating, "I just wanted to come out and just address you and tell you once again that you were wrong in your prognostications today. There will be no government shutdown. You thank Republicans for our leadership in getting that done." Only 19 Republicans and 29 Democrats voted against the spending bill, officially known as a continuing resolution, indicating both parties’ desire to avoid a shutdown before the midterm elections. The bill, which was adjusted by the Senate while the House was away, includes a funding boost for programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. It also delayed a rule that would have granted the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) more power over funding, which were key priorities for Democrats. Congress is responsible for funding the government by passing 12 appropriations bills for each fiscal year, which starts on October 1. Congress has not completed this task on time since the 1990s and often relies on continuing resolutions to extend funding. Over the past year, the government has been shut down for 122 days on three different occasions. Republicans and Democrats remain divided on total spending levels for the next fiscal year, complicating efforts to pass a package of longer-term appropriations bills. The spending patch was viewed as essential legislation for House Republicans upon their return from their August recess. The lower chamber had passed a continuing resolution before adjourning, but the Senate made adjustments. Following the completion of this main task, speculation has arisen about whether lawmakers will cancel plans to convene for the final three weeks of September. They plan to take next week off for the GOP’s midterm convention and most of October for midterm election campaigning. Johnson stated that Republicans currently have no plans to recess early, saying, "We [will] continue business this week. Republicans are here to work. We have a lot more left to do. We’re going to keep demonstrating to the American people every day that their priorities are our priorities." After voting to prevent a government shutdown, the House took up a rule for how it will vote on a set of upcoming bills. This rule passed narrowly after Representatives Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) supported Republicans, who had five defections. Over the summer, House GOP leadership faced challenges as the House floor was effectively frozen by Republican members opposing rules.