In a significant political maneuver, Speaker Mike Johnson is poised to seek Democratic assistance to pass crucial federal funding legislation. This move comes as the Republican majority in the House faces internal divisions, potentially leading to a government shutdown if not addressed promptly.
The impending vote on a three-month funding extension, known as a continuing resolution (CR), is scheduled for September 25, 2024. This measure includes over $230 million for Secret Service protection, primarily for former president Donald Trump and other candidates during the ongoing campaign season. The Secret Service, originally established in 1865 to combat counterfeit currency, has evolved to play a crucial role in protecting political figures.
This legislative action represents Johnson's Plan B, following the failure of his initial proposal for a six-month CR that included controversial voter registration requirements. The Speaker's decision to compromise underscores the challenges faced by the narrow Republican majority in the House.
"We came a little short of the goal line, so we have to go with the last available play."
The current situation highlights the complex nature of the U.S. federal budget process, which begins with the President's budget proposal in February and involves multiple stages of negotiation and approval. The fiscal year for the federal government runs from October 1 to September 30, adding urgency to the current funding debate.
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer criticized the Republican approach, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation in a divided government. This marks the seventh instance in the past year where House Republicans have had to rely on Democratic support for government funding bills.
The ongoing budget negotiations occur against the backdrop of historical precedents. Since 1976, the United States has experienced 21 government shutdowns, with the longest lasting 35 days from 2018 to 2019. These shutdowns have significant implications for the over 2 million civilian workers employed by the federal government.
Johnson has set an ambitious goal of completing all 12 annual spending bills by the new December 20, 2024 deadline. This task is complicated by the fact that Congress will be out of session for all of October and half of November, leaving limited time for negotiations.
The Speaker has vowed to avoid an omnibus spending package, a practice that became more common in the 1980s as a way to streamline the budget process. This commitment sets the stage for a post-election sprint to finalize funding, potentially leading to another CR extending into March 2025.
The current budget debate underscores the importance of the "power of the purse" as one of Congress's most crucial constitutional checks on the executive branch. It also highlights the role of institutions like the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in providing nonpartisan analysis and oversight of federal spending.
As the deadline approaches, the outcome of this funding bill will have significant implications for the functioning of the U.S. government and the political landscape leading into the upcoming elections.