Congressional leaders revealed a stopgap funding bill on Tuesday to keep the government operational until March 14, setting off a race to pass the legislation by the end of the week. The temporary measure aims to prevent a government shutdown as current funding expires on December 20.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faces the challenge of advancing the bill while managing criticism from his party’s right flank over the handling of funding negotiations. The bill covers a range of priorities and includes around $100 billion in disaster relief, a one-year extension of the farm bill, and restrictions on U.S. investments in China.
In a notable addition, the legislation allows the NFL’s Washington Commanders to return to the RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C. The bill also includes comprehensive health care reforms, details of which were reported earlier.
The bill’s March 14 deadline strategically positions Republicans to influence funding levels for the second half of fiscal year 2025. The timing sets up a significant funding debate coinciding with the end of President-elect Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, ensuring a busy legislative calendar for early next year.
The package offers bipartisan wins. The inclusion of billions in disaster relief benefits both parties, particularly lawmakers representing states hit by hurricanes in 2023. President Biden had requested the funding last month. Additionally, the $10 billion in economic aid for farmers addresses critical agricultural needs.
Another key element is the provision restricting U.S. investments in China, which enjoys broad bipartisan support. The measure was initially removed from the year-end defense authorization package but found its place in the stopgap bill.
With a tight deadline looming, lawmakers are under pressure to pass the bill quickly to avoid a shutdown. Failure to act before December 20 could disrupt government operations, adding urgency to the already intense negotiations.
