UPDATE: A critical House vote is set to take place today as President Donald Trump pushes for swift action to end the government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson faces intense pressure to unify Republicans, with only a single dissenting vote permissible to advance the funding package.
With the shutdown now in its third day, GOP leaders are scrambling to secure enough support for a Senate-passed bill that would fund much of the federal government through the end of September 2023. Democrats have refused to cooperate, complicating efforts to reach an agreement. The House is expected to hold pivotal votes today, and uncertainty looms over whether Johnson can rally the necessary support.
Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, expressed optimism about potential resolutions, stating, “I think they’re pretty close to a resolution.” He has engaged in discussions with both Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, emphasizing the urgency of avoiding a prolonged shutdown.
The proposed funding package includes provisions for the Department of Homeland Security but only for two weeks, allowing for future negotiations on federal immigration enforcement. This arrangement has drawn criticism from hardline conservatives, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, who previously threatened to block the bill unless their voting restrictions, including proof of citizenship, were attached.
However, as the House vote approaches, Luna and fellow hardliner Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee indicated they may support the funding bill after discussions with Trump. The President has made it clear that he wants the funding to proceed with “NO CHANGES” to prevent further disruptions.
As the clock ticks down to the critical vote, the stakes are high. Johnson’s leadership is being tested, with the GOP able to lose only one member’s support given that no Democrats are expected to back the bill. The outcome of today’s vote could determine if the government remains open or faces further shutdown chaos.
As Congress navigates this complex landscape, all eyes are on the House to see if they can avert a prolonged impasse. Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops.
