Continuing Resolution

The House of Representatives voted 220-205 this week to approve a continuing resolution (CR) that would keep the federal government funded at current levels through Dec. 4, avoiding a potential shutdown when existing funding expires at the end of September. Six Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure.

Despite speculation that House conservatives might delay the bill as leverage to advance the SAVE America Act – a separate election measure that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo identification to cast a ballot – the funding legislation moved forward without becoming entangled in that debate.

Democratic leaders opposed the measure, arguing it does not include provisions to limit funding for the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) criticized Democrats for opposing what Republicans characterized as a straightforward funding extension. “They do this to try to score political points. I think they’re making the wrong calculation here,” Johnson said.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it will require bipartisan support to clear the 60-vote threshold needed for passage. Senate lawmakers are expected to negotiate changes before any final agreement can be sent to the president.

Budget Reconciliation

The House narrowly approved a $95 billion budget reconciliation framework this week, marking the first procedural step toward advancing another package of federal spending priorities.

The measure passed 216-214 and includes $73 billion for defense and intelligence activities, $12 billion in agricultural assistance, and $10 billion to incentivize states to adopt new election security measures.

The vote represents a political victory for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who secured support from nearly all members of his razor-thin majority despite concerns from fiscal conservatives over the absence of spending offsets. Three Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the resolution.

Following the vote, Johnson hailed the outcome, stating, “Republicans support our troops, our farmers, and election security. We’re the only team in Washington that does. Many of you doubted our success.”

Despite clearing the House, the proposal faces a challenging path forward. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has indicated that addressing government funding before the September 30 fiscal year deadline will take precedence over another reconciliation package. As a result, Senate consideration is expected to be delayed while lawmakers work to avert a government shutdown, making enactment before the pre-election recess increasingly unlikely.

President Trump, meanwhile, has intensified pressure on Senate Republicans to advance legislation related to the SAVE America Act. Speaking at a rally in Georgia on Wednesday, Trump praised the House for approving the reconciliation framework and criticized the Senate’s pace, saying, “It’s like the Senate is a place that you send things when you want them to die.”