Congress is hurrying to approve a $1.2 trillion funding bill before the Friday night shutdown deadline, aiming to pass the extensive legislation quickly despite intense disapproval from conservatives on both sides of the Capitol.
The House and Senate have less than 30 hours to pass the package of six bills, which will keep numerous departments and agencies funded beyond Friday at midnight, as lawmakers seek to avoid a partial government shutdown and a weekend full of votes.
As the deadline approaches, leaders in both chambers are accelerating the consideration process, disregarding the strong criticisms from conservatives — especially in the House — who are criticizing the legislation’s high cost, denouncing various expenditures in the measure, speaking out about the exclusion of their controversial policy riders, and taking aim at leadership for the way they are bringing the bill to the floor.
“With any bipartisan agreement, you have some Democrats and some Republicans that drop off,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.).
When asked if he is confident the bill will clear the lower chamber, Scalise responded “yes.”
The package of six bills outlines funding for approximately three-quarters of the federal government, including the departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and State.
Both sides claim victories in the legislation: Democrats have highlighted investments in child care and domestic programs, while GOP leaders are promoting an increase in the number of detention beds for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and cuts to diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Passing the measure will bring to an end the complicated road that has characterized funding for fiscal year 2024, which has involved four continuing resolutions, the first-ever ousting of a sitting Speaker, and frustration among members in both parties and chambers.
Leaders are eager to conclude the prolonged process.
“Once passed, it will eliminate any further shutdown threats for the rest of the fiscal year, avoid budget sequestration, and keep the government open without cuts or poison pill riders,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on the floor Thursday morning, adding that some involved in the appropriations process are likely “beyond the point of exhaustion.”
The House is scheduled to debate the spending bill around 9 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, followed by a vote in the 11 a.m. hour. The chamber is approaching the legislation under suspension of the rules, a fast-track process that eliminates the need to first pass a rule — a step that conservatives would likely reject — but requires two-thirds support for passage.
Hardliners have criticized leadership, especially Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), for using the procedural maneuver to bring the bill to the floor, in addition to their decision to hold a vote less than 72 hours after releasing the text — breaking the “72-hour rule” that hardliners have been insistent about throughout Congress.
Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), the leader of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, stated that Johnson will be responsible for the bill because he negotiated the deal with Schumer, determines the conditions under which it will be voted on, and directs the suspension of the rules and waiver of the 72-hour waiting period.
They have also expressed worry about the money allocated for the new FBI headquarters in Maryland and funding for facilities that support the LGBTQ community, among other concerns.
The GOP opposition is not limited to members of the House Freedom Caucus. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), the chair of the appropriations subcommittee on Labor and Health and Human Services, announced Thursday night that he will vote against the spending package, citing concerns about funding for social services for immigrants and groups that assist the LGBTQ community.
Aderholt stated in a message that the House did not include these partisan funding projects in its Labor-HHS legislation and the Senate shouldn't either.
He added that he cannot and will not vote for these projects or this bill in good conscience.
Despite the Republican opposition, and some resistance from progressives, specifically regarding the provision that would halt funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the spending package is likely to pass the House with the support of centrist Democrats and Republicans.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said on Thursday that he anticipates a “significant majority” of Democrats will support the bill.
The legislation will then move to the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to promptly consider the package to prevent a shutdown and depart Washington for a two-week Easter break.
Despite concerns that final approval might extend into the weekend, the Senate is widely expected to approve the minibus at some point on Friday and avoid a temporary partial shutdown.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) stated on Tuesday that he had told his GOP colleagues they were likely to be in session this weekend, but that mindset has now changed.
Senate leaders have been working for two weeks since the last government funding deadline on a variety of amendments. One source mentioned that top Republicans were optimistic about keeping the final number of amendments to under a dozen.
Among the GOP amendments that could be voted on are those proposed by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a leading critic of the package who, however, is not expected to delay final approval and will allow time to be yielded back to secure amendment votes concerning spending reduction.
Paul stated, “We are worried that the level of spending in this bill will result in a $1.5 trillion deficit, and we believe the greatest threat to our country is our debt. So we will propose amendments to cut spending. We believe it is crucial to have a debate on the level of debt our country is facing.”
Amendment votes related to the situation at the southern border are also anticipated, including potentially the Laken Riley Act that Senate Republicans introduced last week. Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) called That will be added to the amendment package during a press conference on Thursday.
Other Senate activities are contributing to the hopes of getting the package finished by Friday. Several groups of lawmakers are planning to leave this weekend to start the two-week break.
Members are also aware that the funeral for the mother of Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Susan Collins (R-Maine) will take place in her home state on Saturday.
Alexander Bolton and Sarah Fortinsky contributed.
Updated at 9:14 pm EST.
