US House Votes to End Government Shutdown, with Passage of Funding Bill Seen as Likely
In a move that could bring an end to the 15-day government shutdown in the US, the House of Representatives is set to vote on a funding bill this evening. The chamber was expected to convene at around 7 pm, following a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Representative Adelita Grijalva.
The Senate-passed funding package has been advanced by the House Rules Committee, paving the way for final passage. However, Democrats have introduced amendments aimed at extending expiring health care tax credits and stripping a provision that would allow senators to sue over data seizures or subpoenas like those used after the January 6th, 2021 Capitol riot.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expressed optimism about the bill's chances of passing, saying "we're going to get this government back open today." However, Democrats have maintained their stance on several issues, including healthcare and subsidies for lower-income families.
The House Freedom Caucus has come out in support of the Senate-passed funding package, calling it a "complete and total win" in an internal messaging document. The group's members are expected to vote in favor of passage.
According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who predicted that he would have enough votes to approve the Senate-passed funding package this evening, "we believe the long national nightmare will be over tonight." He put the blame for the shutdown on Democrats, saying they had refused to support a short-term measure to reopen the government.
In a move that could bring an end to the 15-day government shutdown in the US, the House of Representatives is set to vote on a funding bill this evening. The chamber was expected to convene at around 7 pm, following a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Representative Adelita Grijalva.
The Senate-passed funding package has been advanced by the House Rules Committee, paving the way for final passage. However, Democrats have introduced amendments aimed at extending expiring health care tax credits and stripping a provision that would allow senators to sue over data seizures or subpoenas like those used after the January 6th, 2021 Capitol riot.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expressed optimism about the bill's chances of passing, saying "we're going to get this government back open today." However, Democrats have maintained their stance on several issues, including healthcare and subsidies for lower-income families.
The House Freedom Caucus has come out in support of the Senate-passed funding package, calling it a "complete and total win" in an internal messaging document. The group's members are expected to vote in favor of passage.
According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who predicted that he would have enough votes to approve the Senate-passed funding package this evening, "we believe the long national nightmare will be over tonight." He put the blame for the shutdown on Democrats, saying they had refused to support a short-term measure to reopen the government.