Congress unveils spending plan after Trump calls on Republicans to avoid government shutdown

Averting a Government Shutdown: A Last-Ditch Effort

Congressional negotiators have unveiled a 99-page bill designed to prevent a partial government shutdown during the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s term. The legislation, if passed, will maintain current government funding levels through the start of the 2026 fiscal year, which begins on October 1. The current deadline to avoid a shutdown is Friday, March 14, adding urgency to the situation. This bill represents the third and final continuing resolution (CR) extending funding from the previous fiscal year, 2024, into 2025. Republicans believe this approach positions them well to negotiate their conservative funding priorities ahead of the next fiscal year.

Funding Priorities and Provisions

The proposed bill allocates $892.5 billion for discretionary defense spending, a significant increase of $8 billion, likely aimed at addressing concerns among national security hawks. In contrast, non-defense discretionary spending would decrease by $13 billion, reflecting a broader Republican push to reduce federal outlays. Additionally, the bill includes $6 billion in funding for veterans’ healthcare, a move that aligns with the administration’s focus on supporting military personnel and their families. The White House has requested additional spending in areas not covered by the previous funding extension, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to address operational shortfalls inherited from the Biden administration. The bill also adheres to spending caps outlined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), which limits federal spending increases to 1% for FY 2025.

House GOP Strategy and White House Coordination

House Republican leaders are expressing confidence in their ability to pass the bill with Republican votes alone, a feat not achieved since they regained control of the chamber in January 2023. While the White House has not explicitly endorsed the measure, aides emphasize that it was "closely coordinated" with the Trump administration. The bill reflects many of the president’s priorities, including increased defense spending and funding for ICE. Trump has not yet reviewed the final version, but his influence looms large. In a recent post on Truth Social, the president expressed optimism about the bill, stating, "I am working with the GREAT House Republicans on a Continuing Resolution to fund the Government until September to give us some needed time to work on our Agenda." His endorsement could be crucial in swaying hesitant Republican lawmakers.

Spending Caps and Fiscal Responsibility

The bill adheres to the spending caps established by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), a bipartisan agreement that limits federal spending increases to 1% for FY 2025. To achieve these reductions, the legislation eliminates some "side deals" from the FRA negotiations and bars lawmakers from requesting earmarks, which are funds allocated for specific projects in their districts. These moves are framed as cost-saving measures, aligning with Republican efforts to rein in federal spending. The bill’s structure ensures continuity in government operations while setting the stage for future negotiations on conservative budget priorities.

Democratic Opposition and Criticisms

House Democrats are pushing back against the Republican-backed CR, accusing their colleagues of threatening critical programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits. In a joint letter, House Democratic leaders condemned the bill as a partisan effort to slash funding for healthcare and nutritional assistance while prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy. They argue that the CR is not the appropriate mechanism for altering mandatory spending programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which are typically exempt from such measures. While Democrats have historically supported measures to avoid government shutdowns, their leadership is now urging lawmakers to oppose this bill, potentially forcing Republicans to rely solely on their razor-thin majority in the House.

Republican Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite their confidence, Republican leaders face challenges within their own ranks. Some conservative lawmakers, such as Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, have already signaled their opposition to the bill, criticising it as a continuation of wasteful spending. Gonzales, who has previously voted against CRs, argued that Congress should instead pass a conservative budget. GOP leaders hope to overcome such resistance by highlighting the bill’s alignment with Trump’s agenda and the importance of maintaining Republican unity. The bill’s fate in the Senate remains uncertain, as it would need Democratic support to reach the 60-vote threshold. However, Republicans are banking on their coordination with the White House and the president’s influence to secure enough votes and keep the government funded.