House Democrats are expected to once again step in to assist Speaker Mike Johnson with a stopgap spending bill, as many conservatives pledge to oppose it on the floor.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, stated, “I expect we’ll pass the CR.”
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) pointed out that because Republicans are unable to pass the bill on their own, Democrats have leveraged this situation to ensure important priorities are included in the resolution. “We were able to secure significant Democratic priorities in this resolution,” she said.
After a closed-door leadership meeting on Wednesday, Democratic lawmakers did not take a formal stance on whether to support or oppose the stopgap measure, and they are unlikely to engage in a full whip effort. However, many highlighted key provisions in the bill, including $100 billion in disaster aid, funding for childcare, and healthcare measures.
The bill text, released on Tuesday evening, would fund the government until March 14 and includes various unrelated policy measures, such as legislation to extend expiring healthcare programs, restrictions on U.S. investments in China, and a one-year extension of the farm bill, which governs agriculture and food policy.
Dozens of Republicans are expected to vote against the bill when it comes up for a vote later this week. Some conservatives are even signaling that they will block it in the Rules Committee, which determines which bills move forward to the floor. As a result, Johnson may have to rely on a suspension process, requiring a two-thirds majority in the House. Conservatives are outraged, calling the bill a “bad deal.”
To prevent a government shutdown, which could occur on Friday night, Johnson will likely need significant Democratic support. While some Republicans may not be happy about needing the opposition party’s backing for critical legislation, it seems necessary.
Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) criticized the Republicans’ internal struggles, stating, “We’re at this point primarily because the Republicans hate themselves and they can’t get anything to pass on the floor.”
Some Democrats, however, might oppose the bill, particularly over a provision that could result in a cost-of-living pay increase for members of Congress. Lawmakers have not received a raise since 2009, and there are concerns that voters could penalize them for approving salary increases. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), from a swing district, stated, “Mainers can’t wave a wand and give themselves a raise, and Congress shouldn’t either—especially when most voters would tell you our job performance is poor at best. Until the pay freeze is reinstated, I will not vote for this CR.”
Despite these concerns, senior Democrats, including those who had previously supported a cost-of-living increase, downplayed the issue. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) defended the provision, saying, “We’re following the law. It’s a very small part.”
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