The partial shutdown of the U.S. government is set to extend into next week, with federal officials indicating that a resolution is unlikely before Tuesday. The House Democrats have signaled they are unwilling to provide necessary votes to facilitate the expedited passage of a funding measure that would resume government operations.
Despite this impasse, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism on Fox News Sunday, asserting, “We’ll get this done by Tuesday, I’m convinced.” He emphasized that the process must adhere to existing legislative rules, which may necessitate proceeding without bipartisan support.
The House rules committee is expected to convene on Monday afternoon to assess the funding bill along with other legislative items. However, any voting on the House floor, including those related to debate rules and final approvals, is not expected before Tuesday.
Johnson countered criticisms regarding the funding measure, noting that it essentially revisits bills that had already received prior approval. He stated, “This is just a formality at this point.”
He acknowledged logistical challenges due to travel disruptions caused by a recent winter storm but remains confident that Republicans have enough votes to facilitate the reopening of the government by Tuesday.
The current funding proposal differs from previous versions, as it omits allocations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following demands from Senate Democrats after the tragic shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota by federal immigration agents. This revision mandates another House vote on the adjusted bill.
Johnson clarified that he does not plan to seek Democratic votes for advancing the legislation under a suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority, preferring to pursue passage through a standard rule vote instead.
House Democrats have pushed back, insisting on their need for input in the legislative process. Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries articulated the necessity for a comprehensive debate, emphasizing that Republicans cannot advance legislation unilaterally without discussions with Democrats.
This tactic of advancing the bill through narrow-party votes could pose risks for House Republican leaders, who maintain a slim majority. Such votes have increasingly become contentious battlegrounds where dissenting Republican members seek concessions, potentially complicating leadership’s agenda.
Democratic opposition remains strong, with representative Ro Khanna asserting on NBC’s Meet the Press that he cannot support the government reopening under current terms, stating, “I’m a firm no.” He highlighted concerns over immigration enforcement funding under conditions that he believes endanger American citizens.
Conversely, Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin expressed a more conditional willingness to support a short-term funding bill, contingent on a careful review of its contents. He underscored the need for clear rules guiding federal immigration agents to prevent excessive intimidation and harm to citizens.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding a pathway to resolve the ongoing shutdown while ensuring the needs of all parties are considered. There is hope that a compromise can be reached, potentially fostering a return to normal operations in the government.