House Republicans have put forth a short-term government funding package in an effort to reach a bipartisan deal and avoid a Sept. 30 shutdown deadline. The legislation, known as a continuing resolution, would fund the government through October and is the result of negotiations between the conservative Freedom Caucus and the moderate Main Street Caucus. It includes a House-passed border security package.
While the measure is not expected to pass in the Senate or garner support from the White House, it is seen as a starting point for negotiations between the two parties and to prevent a government shutdown. The House GOP bill would maintain funding levels for the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, but implement cuts for other agencies as Republicans express concerns about the federal deficit.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has been working to gather enough Republican support for the bill, without needing the help of Democrats to pass it. Some members of the Freedom Caucus, including Rep. Matt Gaetz and Rep. Dan Bishop, have already expressed opposition to the deal.
McCarthy has previously indicated that a stopgap funding measure may be necessary through December while congressional appropriators work on finalizing a year-long budget.
