Critical Decision Ahead: US House to Vote on Spending Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) goes against fellow Republicans to avert a government shutdown. The House will vote on a stopgap spending bill extending funding beyond Nov. 17 and Johnson will need Democratic support. Facing opposition from right-wing Republicans, he is using a risky tactic to bring the bill up directly for a vote on the House floor, requiring two-thirds vote for passage. Democratic support is crucial to avoid a fourth shutdown in a decade, and the ongoing partisan gridlock has driven borrowing costs higher. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell are working to move the bill quickly to avoid a shutdown. If passed, the bill will extend funding through Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 for other federal operations. Johnson’s approach is similar to his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, a tactic that caused McCarthy to lose his job, although Republicans believe Johnson is unlikely to suffer the same fate. This will bring to an end the most recent fiscal standoff faced by Congress in 2023.

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