House Republicans Advance Short-Term Funding Bill Through December 4 Despite Democratic Objections Over Border Funding Rules

House Republicans plan to advance a short-term continuing resolution that funds the government through December 4, the Washington Examiner reported. The bill is scheduled for a vote Tuesday night. Current government funding expires at the end of September, roughly one month before the midterm elections.

Washington Examiner reported that Republicans aim to avoid a shutdown that could affect their efforts to retain the House majority. Rep. Rich McCormick stated the measure would remove a potential leverage point for Democrats ahead of the midterms.

“Shutting down the government is not what the people want,” he said. ” House Speaker Mike Johnson said the clean CR gives both parties a chance to show commitment to responsible funding. “I bet you they [Democrats] don’t help us on it,” he told reporters Tuesday morning.

Rep. Jeff Hurd said he supports the resolution to prevent a shutdown. Rep. Tom Cole said the bill will allow continued negotiations for full-year appropriations. House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said he will vote against the measure because of drafting errors that give Customs and Border Patrol flexibility to move money.

Since President Donald Trump’s second term began, Congress has seen two record government shutdowns: a 43-day full shutdown that ended last November and a 76-day partial shutdown that ended in April, the Washington Examiner reported. McCormick said the resolution is meant to depoliticize the budget process before the elections.