The House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure in an effort to avert a looming government shutdown on Friday. A ‘laddered’ continuing resolution, the stop-gap funding bill was brought to the floor by newly elected-House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
While majorities in both parties backed Johnson’s funding bill, it did require help from Congressional Democrats to pass. Earlier today the House Freedom Caucus came out in opposition to the ‘laddered’ continuing resolution despite the conservative House Republican group having originated the concept. Ultimately 127 Republicans voted in favor of passage, with 93 voting against. On the Democrat side of the aisle, 209 voted in favor, with just two against.
The House ‘laddered’ continuing resolution now heads to the Democrat-controlled Senate where it may face greater opposition. The Biden White House has threatened to veto the legislation should it hit the President’s desk, calling it a waste of time.
Instead of a uniform extension of government funding for all federal agencies, the legislation will provide staggered funding for departments and agencies. Speaker Johnson and House Republicans who backed the legislation argue the purpose of extended funding for some parts of the government longer than others is to preserve a sense of urgency and maintain pressure on the Senate to take up the House passed appropriations bills.
