House Bill Cuts DC Funds, Senate Vote Pending

The US House of Representatives narrowly passed a stopgap funding bill, 217-213, to avert a government shutdown by maintaining current federal funding levels until September 30, while making modest adjustments to defense and non-defense spending. The bill includes a $6 billion increase in defense spending and a $13 billion cut in non-defense discretionary funding, which some Democrats oppose due to concerns over the increased discretion it grants the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, in spending decisions. The Senate needs to approve the bill, requiring the support of at least eight Democrats to overcome a filibuster, amid discontent over being excluded from negotiations. Speaker Mike Johnson has challenged Senate Democrats, stating their opposition would make them responsible for a shutdown. The bill also strips over $1 billion from Washington, D.C.'s budget, a move criticized by local leaders as damaging rather than beneficial. With the House Republicans dismissing further votes for the week, the Senate has until Friday to act to prevent a shutdown.