The US House of Representatives is scheduled to hold a floor vote today on a stopgap funding bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated the bill is intended to keep the federal government fully funded through early December, thereby removing the possibility of a shutdown before the midterm elections.
Johnson told reporters, “The first thing is we’ve got to make sure this government gets funded and we don’t have another Democratic shutdown.” The short-term funding bill was modified in the Senate, reportedly making it more acceptable to Democrats.
The bill delays a proposed rule from the Office of Management and Budget that would grant political appointees increased power over federal grant distribution. It also includes language to prevent the administration from transferring funds to the Border Patrol. However, a provision that delays a federal ban on intoxicating hemp THC products for one month has prompted criticism from many GOP lawmakers.
GOP leaders are expected to fast-track the bill, bypassing a separate procedural vote to avoid Republican efforts to block or stall the legislation. Suspension bills require a two-thirds vote to pass, meaning support from both parties will be necessary for it to advance to the President's desk.