Dems Poised for Victory with Bipartisan Budget Breakthrough

As the looming threat of a government shutdown approaches an election year, House Republicans have shifted their strategy. In a recent bipartisan effort, they have joined forces with Democrats to create a plan designed to maintain federal spending until the end of 2023.

The proposed three-month budget patch, revealed on Sunday, notably removes cuts and contentious policy riders that the GOP had previously sought. This agreement would keep federal spending levels unchanged through December 20 while discussions for the full 2025 budget continue.

This shift signifies a victory for Democrats, who have promoted this solution as essential. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent push for a six-month continuing resolution combined with a divisive voter ID bill has undergone a significant transformation in direction.

Yet, some Republicans may find this stopgap unpalatable. Their reluctance towards short-term budget solutions typically involves a desire for significant spending cuts. Meanwhile, Democrats have characterized this turn of events as a successful exercise in bipartisanship, albeit with criticism directed at their GOP counterparts for delaying progress.

“The necessity for a continuing resolution stems from House Republicans’ refusal to collaborate with us on long-term funding solutions,” remarked Representative Rosa DeLauro from Connecticut. Although relieved by the decision to bypass GOP policy riders, she emphasized that this temporary measure does not resolve the myriad budget challenges awaiting deliberation in December.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated that Democrats would examine the new spending proposal as Congress reconvenes. He expressed hope that this development signals a cooperative approach towards preventing a government shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed satisfaction with the bipartisan negotiations over the weekend. However, he lamented that an agreement could have been reached earlier if Republicans had not initially pursued their six-month budget proposal.

With funding running out in just over a week, Schumer urged prompt action from House Republicans. “Time is of the essence,” he cautioned, as Congress races against the clock to finalize budgetary measures.

The newly proposed budget patch comes on the heels of the House rejecting Johnson’s prior attempt at budget resolution, which was criticized for its incorporation of the controversial voter ID Act. Some Republicans found the political maneuver to be a distraction rather than a serious resolution.

Representatives Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced their opposition to the approach, with Greene indicating that the Speaker has allied too closely with Democrats.

Conservatives are likely to view this budget proposal as a setback. Maintaining federal spending at current levels raises the stakes for a budget confrontation during the holiday season—time Republicans had hoped to avoid.

The House Rules Committee will begin considering the three-month budget bill on Monday. Both chambers of Congress must pass their respective versions before the week’s end, as lawmakers are set to depart Washington on Friday, not returning until after the election. Without legislative intervention, government funding will be exhausted by September 30.