The House approved a bipartisan spending plan Wednesday aimed at preventing a government shutdown, but it still requires Senate approval before the funding deadline.
- The vote was cast amid division within the Republican conference, spearheaded by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
- A procedural move known as the suspension of the rules was employed to overcome objections and secure a two-thirds majority vote.
- The final tally was 341 in favour and 82 against, with significant support from both Republicans and Democrats.
- This decision ensures continued government operations until December, contingent on Senate passage.
The House of Representatives cast a critical vote on Wednesday, approving a bipartisan spending plan designed to avert a potential government shutdown. This measure, which has yet to pass through the Senate, proposes to extend government operations through December.
The vote revealed stark divisions within the Republican conference. While House Speaker Mike Johnson advanced the narrow continuing resolution, he faced opposition from several Republican members. Despite these internal conflicts, the measure successfully passed the House.
To navigate the opposition, House Republicans utilised a procedural strategy known as the suspension of the rules. This tactic required a two-thirds majority vote and relied heavily on Democratic support. By deploying this manoeuvre, the Republican-led House managed to bypass the objections and secure the necessary votes.
The final vote count stood at 341 in favour and 82 against. Among the affirmative votes were 132 Republicans and 209 Democrats, highlighting bipartisan support. Conversely, 82 Republicans voted against the measure, underscoring the internal party rifts.
If the Senate approves the measure, it will ensure that government operations are funded through December. This ongoing process remains under close scrutiny as the Senate prepares to cast its vote.
The approval of the spending plan by the House marks a significant step towards averting a government shutdown, pending Senate approval.
