House passes $1.2 trillion spending bill averting government shutdown

In a significant move to prevent a partial government shutdown, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a sweeping $1.2 trillion spending package on Friday, just hours before the deadline. The bill, which now heads to the Senate for approval, aims to fund about three-quarters of the federal government until the end of the fiscal year on September 30. The House approved the package in a vote of 286 to 134, showcasing a bipartisan effort to keep the government operational.

The package wraps six spending bills into one, covering departments such as State, Homeland Security, Defense, Labor, and Health and Human Services, as well as funds for foreign operations, financial services, and the legislative branch. This move comes after another package funding the rest of the government cleared Congress two weeks ago, highlighting the urgency and importance of averting a shutdown.

Despite the bipartisan support, the bill faced opposition from a majority of Republicans, with House conservatives objecting to the funding levels agreed upon by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate leaders. The internal divisions within the Republican Party were evident, as 101 Republicans voted in favor while 112 voted against the measure. In contrast, Democrats showed strong support for the bill, with 185 voting in favor and only 22 against.

The passage of the bill in the House marks a critical step towards ending a months-long fight over government spending. The Senate now faces the challenge of clearing the massive funding package before the midnight deadline to prevent a shutdown. Senate rules that allow a single lawmaker to object to expediting a bill's passage could potentially delay the vote, pushing it into Saturday. However, a brief lapse in funding over the weekend may not cause significant disruptions, as agencies can continue their normal operations if it's clear that a resolution is imminent.

The spending package includes several key provisions, such as funding for child care and education programs, medical research, mental health care, and an extension of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Republicans highlighted funding for Border Patrol agents, more detention beds, and a ban on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) through March 2025. Additionally, the bill contains conservative policy wins, such as preventing the federal government from banning gas stoves and maintaining a provision banning federal funds from covering abortion services.

The bill's passage in the House puts Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership in the spotlight, as he navigated the complex political landscape to secure the necessary support. The outcome of the Senate vote and President Joe Biden's subsequent signing of the bill will determine whether the government remains funded and operational, avoiding the detrimental effects of a shutdown.