House Passes CR to Fund Government Through September, Senate Vote Looms

The House has passed a continuing resolution (CR) aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown, with a narrow 217-213 vote. This legislation, which will fund federal agencies through September, now heads to the Senate where bipartisan support is necessary for it to pass. House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump backed the bill, emphasizing that failure to support it could result in negative consequences for government services. The CR proposes a $13 billion cut in non-defense spending while increasing defense spending by $6 billion, maintaining overall funding levels from previous budgets. Democrats have expressed concerns over the administration's discretionary spending powers within the bill, framing it as a threat to essential services. The Senate's response will be crucial as lawmakers aim to avert a potential shutdown by the upcoming deadline.