House Republicans faced humiliation on Wednesday as they failed to pass a plan to prevent a government shutdown. Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposed funding package, which included a controversial voting measure, was rejected in a tense vote that highlighted deep divisions within the GOP.

The defeat of the bill, with 14 Republicans voting against it, throws into doubt the government’s ability to stay open past the end of the month. With no bipartisan solution in sight, attention now turns to the Senate as the clock ticks down.

While Johnson’s plan sought to extend funding until March 2025, linked with the SAVE Act, it faced fierce opposition from within his own party. Democrats pushed for a clean funding bill without any additional attachments.

The looming threat of a shutdown has put pressure on lawmakers to find a compromise. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for negotiations, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan solution to avert a crisis.

With the nation’s finances hanging in the balance, all eyes are on Congress to find a way forward and prevent a damaging shutdown that could have far-reaching consequences.