House Republicans Propose New Funding Plan with Presidential Backing
House Republicans have revealed a new funding proposal aimed at maintaining government operations through September, with President Trump’s endorsement. However, opposition from House Democrats is already anticipated. NPR’s Eric McDaniel provides insights into the plan.
Key Features of the Funding Proposal
The proposed bill is not the comprehensive package President Trump once described, which he called his “one big, beautiful bill.” Instead, this proposal is a temporary measure focusing on maintaining government functions while House Republicans prioritize policy issues. Notably, the bill does not alter funding for Social Security and Medicare, as these programs continue to receive automatic funding.
In line with typical stopgap measures, the proposal preserves current funding levels but introduces adjustments, such as increased defense spending and reductions in domestic spending. Overall, the plan seeks to reduce spending by approximately $8 billion, a significant sum for individuals but relatively minor in the context of federal expenditures.
Impacts on Specific Programs
There are no earmarked projects in this bill, but it does allocate additional funds to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the WIC program, which assists low-income families with food support. Conversely, the National Institutes of Health and various educational programs face funding cuts.
The proposal’s funding adjustments suggest House Republicans believe they can pass the bill without Democratic support. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson aims to secure passage with solely Republican votes, though he faces a narrow margin for error, potentially losing only one Republican vote.
Challenges in Gaining Support
Challenges persist, as Johnson’s reliance on Democratic votes in previous sessions suggests difficulty in achieving consensus within his party. The bill aims to appeal to anti-spending Republicans, such as Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who advocates for a thorough review and debate of separate funding bills rather than stopgap measures.
President Trump has urged Republicans to unify, using an online post to implore them to “remain united. No dissent on this,” influencing party support.
Democratic Opposition and Senate Dynamics
Democratic support remains uncertain. Connecticut’s Rosa DeLauro, a top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, criticized the bill, labeling it a “power grab for the White House” and accusing President Trump and Elon Musk of exploiting the American public. Democrats’ willingness to cooperate may hinge on the potential risk of a government shutdown.
In the Senate, Republican Majority Leader John Thune requires Democratic backing to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary for most legislation. With 53 Republican seats, Thune needs at least seven Democratic votes, a challenging task given current reactions. As former President Biden might say, “lots of luck in your senior year.”
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