Congressional leaders are working against the clock to finalize a $1.2 trillion spending package before the government faces a shutdown. The package includes funding for key government agencies and defense, as well as departments such as Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and Labor. While the text of the legislation has not been released, lawmakers and aides expect it to be unveiled soon.
This spending package is the culmination of Congress’ work on spending bills for the year, which began nearly six months ago. Divided into two packages, the first one was passed just hours before a previous shutdown deadline. Now, attention is focused on the second, larger package that includes a 3% increase in defense spending compared to last year.
Congressional leaders have been working hard to sell the package to their members. Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted some policy changes that House Republicans were able to secure, including a prohibition on funding for a United Nations relief program for Palestinian refugees and additional detention beds for noncitizens awaiting immigration proceedings or removal.
The House is expected to vote on the second package on Friday, giving lawmakers more than a day to review it. However, this decision bypasses a House rule that calls for a 72-hour review period for major legislation. Some House Republicans are unhappy with this move, but it is seen as necessary to avoid any lapse in federal funding.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to put the bill on the Senate floor once it passes the House. However, he acknowledges that it will be a tight squeeze to meet the weekend deadline. Democrats are celebrating their success in fending off most of the policy mandates sought by Republicans, such as restrictions on abortion access and gender-affirming healthcare.
The spending in this bill aligns with an agreement made in May 2023 between former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the White House. This agreement restricted spending for two years and suspended the debt ceiling into January 2025. Despite facing challenges from Republicans, Democrats are pleased with the bipartisan bill that protects essential investments in the American people.
However, not all Republicans are satisfied with the bill. Some expressed misgivings about the debt ceiling deal reached by McCarthy, which ultimately led to his removal as speaker. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas criticized the rush to push the bill through, while Rep. Bob Good of Virginia expressed doubt about achieving significant policy wins.
One of the changes highlighted by Speaker Johnson is the prohibition of funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency until March 2025. This move comes in response to allegations that agency employees were involved in a Hamas attack in Israel. While Republicans argue that the agency is part of the problem, relief agencies warn that cutting off funding would have dire consequences for the starving residents of Gaza.
Other wins touted by Johnson include a 6% cut to foreign aid programs and restricting the display of flags at U.S. diplomatic facilities. This move aims to prevent the display of pride flags or rainbow colors in support of the LGBTQ community, which has been allowed under the Biden administration.
Once the spending package passes, Speaker Johnson plans to shift focus to a bill that provides aid to Ukraine and Israel. However, lawmakers will be away from Washington for the next two weeks, so the timeline for this bill is uncertain.
In conclusion, congressional leaders are working tirelessly to secure approval for a $1.2 trillion spending package before a looming government shutdown. The package covers funding for key government agencies and defense, with some policy wins for both parties. While there are concerns about rushing the process, leaders believe it is necessary to avoid any lapse in federal funding.
