Congressional leaders have successfully reached an agreement on a short-term bill to keep the government funded through March, as reported by media outlets. The agreement, which was first reported by CNN and NBC, sets new deadlines for government funding on March 1 and 7. This comes just before the first funding deadline of January 19 and the second deadline of February 2.
The stopgap bill, expected to be released on Sunday, will require bipartisan support to pass the closely divided House. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has been facing pressure from the far-right faction of his party to abandon a recent bipartisan spending deal with Senate Democrats.
The spending deal, announced by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Mike Johnson last weekend, outlines total spending numbers, including $1.59 trillion for fiscal year 2024, with $886 billion for defense spending and $704 billion for non-defense spending. A side deal for $69 billion in adjustments toward non-defense domestic spending was also made.
Despite facing challenges from within his own party, Speaker Johnson remains committed to the bipartisan spending deal, stating, “Our main agreement remains. We are taking the next steps together and working toward a robust appropriations process,” as he looks to avoid a partial government shutdown next week.
The clock is ticking for the new House Speaker to navigate the thorny political landscape and secure support for the stopgap bill to avert a government shutdown. Stay tuned for further updates as the showdown in Congress unfolds.