Lawmakers in the House anticipate a potential vote on the extensive 1,500-page government funding bill as early as Wednesday night or Thursday morning, utilizing an expedited process. This rapid timeline coincides with conservatives voicing last-minute objections, including allies of President-elect Trump, who have opposed the legislation.
They have pressed Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to honor a 72-hour review period for the massive bill, which extends current government funding through March, includes billions in additional spending, and incorporates provisions like halting the sale of border wall materials. Despite these demands, members of the House Rules Committee suggest their requests may not be addressed.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas)
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), both on the Rules Committee, indicated there is no plan for the bill to proceed through the committee. This raises the likelihood that the measure will reach the floor under a suspension of rules, a fast-track process requiring two-thirds approval in the House. Roy predicted that such a vote could occur imminently.
The urgency to advance the continuing resolution and related measures stems from the looming Friday deadline to avert a government shutdown. Meanwhile, Democrats aim to maximize legislative gains before Republicans assume control of Congress and the White House next year. Prominent critics of the bill, such as Donald Trump Jr., Elon Musk, and Vivek Ramaswamy, have strongly condemned the spending package.
Made known Tuesday evening, the legislation proposes maintaining current government funding levels through mid-March, extending the farm bill for one year, and allocating substantial disaster relief and economic aid for farmers. However, many House Republicans have criticized the additional policies, Democratic victories, and the rushed timeline.
This opposition casts doubt on whether the measure can pass a procedural rule vote in the House. Conservatives, empowered by the slim majority, have often used procedural votes to derail legislation in protest. For the rule to advance, it must first be approved in committee—where hard-line conservatives could block it—and then gain majority support on the House floor.
Speaker Johnson expressed a preference for adhering to standard procedures, including the 72-hour review rule, but acknowledged known pressure to expedite the process. Johnson also received a list of demands from the House Freedom Caucus, including votes on reducing non-defense spending and halting border wall material sales. Yet, there is little evidence these requests will be accommodated.
Despite frustration with the spending package, many members are eager to conclude business and leave Washington for the holidays. The Senate must still be given time to review the measure, adding to the urgency. Critics from across the Republican Party, including Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), have expressed disdain for the bill, describing it as emblematic of the dysfunction they seek to reform in Washington.
