House Republican leaders have signaled their intent to place the Senate-approved stopgap spending bill on the floor next week for a vote, though the measure’s path remains uncertain due to lingering objections within their own ranks.
The Senate voted 90-6 on August 9 to pass the bill, which would keep federal funding through December 11, avoiding a shutdown before the November midterm elections.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) characterized the move as an effort to prevent a third funding lapse in the past year after two shutdowns disrupted the current fiscal year.
“We need to ensure that they do not face a third,” he stated.
The measure would maintain current spending levels and block a Trump administration proposal granting political appointees at the Office of Management and Budget authority to review and approve federal grants. It would also restrict fund transfers to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol operations, a provision some Senate Republicans have labeled a “dealbreaker,” including Senators Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rand Paul of Kentucky.
The bill excludes the administration’s $1 billion request for advance procurement of President Trump’s proposed “Trump-class” battleships and leaves out additional Iran-related military funding sought by House Republicans.
It would extend routine programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), along with housing and food assistance, the Highway Trust Fund, and disaster relief.
The House passed its own version of the bill in July, months ahead of the usual deadline. Because the Senate amended that bill, it now requires House approval before reaching President Trump’s desk.
Several House Republicans have already voiced reservations over the ICE and Border Patrol restrictions, meaning next week’s vote could test whether leadership has sufficient votes to send it to the president before funding gaps close.
