House of Representatives approves stopgap funding measure to prevent government shutdown until December 4.
The House of Representatives approved a stopgap measure on Tuesday to maintain government spending through December 4, aiming to avoid a shutdown before the midterm elections. The measure passed with a 220-205 vote, largely along party lines, as Republican leaders sought to preempt a funding lapse. While the House moved forward with the plan, the Senate is pursuing a different strategy. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced he intends to bring a separate, bipartisan continuing resolution to the floor before the August recess. Thune noted that the Senate is currently reviewing funding adjustments from the administration to ensure a bipartisan product is ready for a quick vote. Democrats expressed mixed reactions to the House bill. While some joined Republicans to pass the measure, others criticized the plan for failing to include substantial reforms for the border patrol. Democratic leaders argued the bill fails to block funding for the mass deportation machine utilized by the administration. If the Senate cannot reach a bipartisan agreement, Thune indicated the chamber may use the reconciliation process to pass a party-line funding bill.