Republican US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a three-month stopgap funding bill on Sunday, omitting an immigration-related provision demanded by Donald Trump. The proposal aims to prevent a partial government shutdown by the end of September when the current US$1.2 trillion in discretionary funding expires.
The plan, detailed in a letter to colleagues, includes a vote scheduled for Wednesday to extend government funding until December 20, aligning with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s recommendation of a basic funding extension. Failure to pass the bill would result in furloughs and government operations shutdown just weeks before the November 5 elections.
Johnson emphasized the importance of avoiding a government shutdown close to an election, stating that it would be seen as a political misstep. The proposal seeks to maintain government operations and prevent disruptions as the election approaches.