House Republicans are set to meet in order to find a solution to the looming government shutdown. Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to propose breaking up a big spending bill into multiple single-issue bills that will keep the government open for another three months. However, there is no plan to include an increase in the debt ceiling, which could cause opposition within the GOP.
Legislation will need a two-thirds majority to pass in the House, meaning Democratic support will be needed. If the GOP wants to pass it with a simple majority, they will have to wait until tomorrow for a floor vote, potentially causing a brief lapse in government funding.
These negotiations come after Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s demands derailed a bipartisan spending deal earlier in the week, pushing Congress closer to a shutdown. House Republicans are in talks with Democrats to try and reach an agreement. Senate leader Chuck Schumer has called on the GOP to honor the original funding deal.
Despite the uncertainty, President Joe Biden has not yet publicly commented on the situation. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is expected to address the issue in a briefing later today. Democrats are enjoying watching the Republican party struggle to balance Trump’s demands with the risk of a government shutdown.
Members of the rightwing House Freedom Caucus have met with JD Vance and Russ Vought to discuss the negotiations. It remains to be seen what solution will be reached before the looming deadline.
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