The ongoing government shutdown highlights the challenges House Republicans face in passing a funding bill amid partisan divisions, with critical deadlines approaching.
The partial government shutdown continues as House Republicans grapple with a narrow majority to pass a funding bill that includes allocations for the Pentagon, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and various transportation programs.
Capitol Hill is often a place steeped in superstition, where dates like Groundhog Day and Friday the 13th take on legislative significance. The current shutdown, which affects 78% of the federal government, is a direct result of Democrats rejecting a multi-bill spending plan last week due to concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The House of Representatives is now tasked with aligning its efforts with a revised Senate-passed plan from Friday. This proposal aims to fund the Pentagon, HUD, transportation programs, and several other agencies through September 30. However, it would only provide temporary funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as Democrats demand reforms to ICE.
Many House Democrats expressed reservations about the plan that garnered support from several Senate Democrats. This uncertainty raises questions about whether the House can successfully reopen the government this week. House Democrats contend they were not part of the agreement reached by Senate Democrats to partially fund the government while only applying a temporary fix to DHS funding.
Last March, House Democrats were openly frustrated when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other Democrats collaborated with Republicans to avert a shutdown. When asked whether he and Schumer were aligned this time, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) responded with a hint of sarcasm, referencing a future date in March 2025.
Jeffries then cited examples of House and Senate Democrats working together on various issues, including healthcare and the current government shutdown. He confirmed, “Yes. Short answer. We are on the same page,” but added a caveat about the evolving nature of negotiations.
Some Democrats are supportive of the funding deal, particularly moderate members who are wary of the political repercussions of a prolonged shutdown. Others are pleased with the earmarks they secured in the funding package. However, progressives have made it clear that they cannot endorse any funding bill without concrete plans for ICE reform. Some on the left are even advocating for the defunding of ICE altogether.
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, stated, “I will be voting no on this funding package. I refuse to send another cent to [White House Adviser] Stephen Miller or [Homeland Security Secretary] Kristi Noem.” In contrast, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, indicated her intention to vote in favor of the bill, emphasizing that it funds most of the government for the remainder of the fiscal year and allows time to negotiate on ICE.
DeLauro remarked, “If we do not do that, we will not be able to bring the kinds of pressure that is necessary to make sure that ICE does not continue to terrorize our communities.” While there may be enough votes to pass the bill, the real challenge lies in a procedural vote known as the rule.
The House must first approve this rule to determine how it will handle the bill on the floor. If the House adopts the rule, it can then debate and vote on the bill. A failure to pass the rule would effectively halt progress.
Some Republicans may oppose the rule, and Democrats have made it clear they will not assist with this procedural measure, which is typically supported by the majority party. Jeffries stated, “Republicans have a responsibility to move the rule. If they have some massive mandate, then go pass your rule.”
House Republicans are feeling the pressure as their majority shrank following the swearing-in of Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX), who won a special election in Texas over the weekend. The current Republican majority now stands at 218-214, meaning they can afford to lose only one vote to pass a bill if all members participate.
When asked about the implications of Menefee’s election, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) acknowledged the slim margin, quipping, “What could go wrong?” He expressed hope that Menefee’s first vote would not contribute to a government shutdown.
Menefee, who had just arrived in Washington, D.C., after his election, responded to questions about his voting intentions by stating he needed to consider the issues thoughtfully before casting a vote that aligns with his values.
Ultimately, the outcome hinges on the rule vote. If the House can navigate this procedural hurdle, it may successfully pass the bill and end the shutdown. If not, significant challenges lie ahead.
President Donald Trump expressed his desire for a bipartisan solution to what he described as a “long, pointless and destructive shutdown” on Truth Social. The timing of discussions surrounding the government shutdown coinciding with Groundhog Day seems almost fitting, especially following the record-breaking 43-day shutdown last autumn.
As for Punxsutawney Phil, he saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. Amid the ongoing funding disputes, one might wonder when lawmakers will seek Phil’s insight on the shutdown.
However, the more pressing concern is the looming deadline of Friday the 13th. If the House aligns with the Senate and resolves the partial government shutdown, lawmakers will have until 11:59:59 PM ET on that day to fund DHS. Failing to do so would leave DHS without funding once again, impacting agencies like FEMA and TSA.
Addressing issues related to ICE within such a tight timeframe poses significant challenges. Schumer noted, “Republicans need to take a good look at what’s happening around the country and realize too that it’s time to rein in ICE’s abuses.” Some Republicans share this sentiment, emphasizing the need to focus on serious offenders rather than individuals who have been in the country for extended periods.
While there appears to be bipartisan agreement on the necessity of addressing ICE, any reforms must pass through both the House and Senate by the impending deadline. Only Congress could create a scenario as complex as this.
According to Fox News, the stakes are high as lawmakers navigate these turbulent waters.