On December 17, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) introduced a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) bill aimed at extending government funding until March 14, pushing any long-term appropriations decisions to the upcoming 119th Congress at the beginning of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. The 1,547-page proposal not only defers funding discussions but also incorporates a variety of provisions, including disaster relief for hurricane-stricken areas in the South, environmental initiatives, as well as measures affecting veterans, foreign affairs, and more. A noteworthy point of contention is the potential reform of food stamp requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which faces resistance from Democrats. Additionally, the bill proposes transferring control of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium to Washington, D.C., potentially to host the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
Historically, CR bills have garnered bipartisan support, but skepticism remains, particularly among conservative factions within the Republican Party. With Congress having missed the September 30 deadline to pass 12 full-year appropriations bills—an occurrence that has become routine since 1997—the current resolution is a stop-gap measure, temporarily maintaining funding at levels established for Fiscal Year 2024. The necessity of this CR arises as Congress scrambles to prevent a government shutdown that would initiate on December 20. Critics of the resolution, such as Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) and Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), express disdain over the scope and opacity of the legislation, suggesting it resembles a traditional omnibus spending bill rather than meeting the urgent need for straightforward funding.
Despite prior commitments to provide lawmakers with a 72-hour review period for the bill’s text, procedural timelines are tight as the House prepares to vote. Lawmakers, particularly Republicans, are concerned about the overwhelming size and complexity of the proposed CR, fearing that the specifics may be lost in the rush. Additionally, Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), are cautiously optimistic about the CR’s progress while also recognizing the need for swift deliberation to adhere to the looming deadline. The bipartisan nature of the CR could hinge on Democratic support, given the historical trend of CRs receiving more backing from Democrats than Republicans.
Furthermore, some Republicans have expressed a desire to delay the appropriations discussion until the 119th Congress, anticipating enhanced chances for fiscally conservative spending priorities under a fully GOP-controlled government. As Republicans will hold a three-seat majority in both chambers alongside the presidency, their strategy aims to reinitiate the appropriations process without extensive committee work, allowing for potentially quicker enactment of permanent funding solutions. However, the nature of future negotiations remains uncertain, particularly with the prospect of highly partisan discussions that could impede the passage of vital funding legislation.
With less than a week until the critical deadline, internal frustrations grow among House conservatives regarding Speaker Johnson’s leadership and the urgency of the bill’s process. Concerns centered on the yet-unseen text of the legislation as well as the lack of clarity surrounding its intended impact have fostered a divide within the Republican caucus. While some lawmakers continue to rally behind Johnson, others have issued stern criticisms of the current trajectory and lack of transparency, questioning whether the leadership can effectively govern through these challenges. Representative Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) epitomized this sentiment, expressing disapproval and raising alarms over Johnson’s capability to communicate effectively with his colleagues within the House.
Nonetheless, amid these challenges, efforts continue to finalize the CR, which aims to address crucial funding needs, particularly for disaster relief and support for farmers affected by recent climatic events. The push for the bill comes at a time when both chambers of Congress are under pressure to conclude budget discussions before the holiday recess. Leadership, represented by figures such as House Majority Leader Scalise, emphasizes positivity regarding the ultimate goal of passing the funding legislation while balancing the urgency of fulfilling pressing humanitarian and agricultural needs. The ongoing discussions highlight the complex dynamics within the current Congress, reflecting the broader ideological divides and strategic calculations that will have lasting implications on governance moving forward.
