Congress Approves Funding Bill, Averting Government Shutdown

On Capitol Hill, it’s often said that the scent of jet fumes at DCA before a weekend or holiday recess is a surefire incentive for legislative action. This episode seemed no different as the House of Representatives finally managed to pass legislation to avoid a government shutdown before the holidays.

After two failed attempts, the House successfully passed stopgap legislation to fund the federal government, setting up Congress to narrowly avoid a shutdown just hours before the deadline. After a brief delay over a Republican senator placed a hold on nominees for the AMTRAK board, the Senate proceeded to vote on the bill, ultimately approving it with a decisive 85-11 majority.

The compromise legislation extends funding through March 14, 2025. The package also includes $100.4 billion in disaster relief and provisions to extend farm and health programs. Earlier proposals that addressed issues such as pharmacy benefit managers, trade with China, and debt limits failed due to opposition.

Not everyone on Capitol Hill is celebrating. The vote passed the House with a 366-34 margin, with all opposition coming from Republicans and one member voting present. The bill required a two-thirds majority under the fast-track process used to bring it to the floor. The mutiny of nearly three dozen Republicans should concern leadership looking at vote whip thresholds for major legislative packages in the 119th Congress.

Many House Republicans remain frustrated with both the process and the content of the legislation, with their ire largely directed at Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04). House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD-01) expressed his discontent in a post-vote tweet, stating that he is “now undecided on what House leadership should look like in the 119th Congress,” signaling potential challenges ahead for the speaker's tenure.

President-elect Trump is also reportedly fuming about the bill, particularly angered by the failure to make a deal on the debt limit before he takes office. Several House members noted the President-elect's decision to insert himself into the negotiations three days before a government shutdown was not productive. This bill puts President-elect Trump's agenda in a difficult position as he will now have to face another funding showdown in March and the pending debt ceiling negotiations in 2025.

The outcome capped a turbulent week in the House, providing a preview of how the new Congress in January might tackle challenges posed by influential figures with powerful platforms, such as Musk and Trump, amid an even narrower Republican majority.

Below is a summary of what is included - and what is not included - in the government funding package:

• Spending Provisions:

• Maintains fiscal year 2024 funding conditions and blocks funding for new projects through March 14, 2025.

• Defense: Significant funding for Columbia-class submarines ($8.9 billion), Virginia-class submarines ($5.7 billion), and national security IT systems.

• Additional emergency funding for inauguration security ($90 million) and NOAA weather satellites ($625 million).

• Disaster Aid:

• Provides funds for FEMA, farmers, HUD, transportation, and water development projects, including:

  • $29 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund.

  • $33.5 billion for agriculture disaster relief and restoration.

  • $12 billion for HUD disaster recovery programs.

• $8.1 billion for Federal Highway Administration emergency relief.

• Health Program Extensions:

• Extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities and other provisions until March 31, 2025.

• Provides $1.1 billion for community health centers and funds for various diabetes and health education programs.

• Farm Bill Extensions:

• Extends 2018 farm bill programs through Sept. 30, 2025.

• Covers commodity support (wheat, corn, etc.), dairy programs, and bioenergy feedstock initiatives.

• Notable Omissions:

• Does not include debt limit adjustments or extensions for certain child welfare and family stability programs.

• Other Key Provisions:

• Transportation: Full funding for rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

• National Security: $13.6 million for Supreme Court security enhancements.

• Health Security: Extends HHS pandemic countermeasure authorities and disaster medical system recruitment.