In a significant political maneuver, Speaker Mike Johnson is set to seek Democratic assistance to pass crucial federal funding legislation, as the Republican majority in the House faces internal discord. This development underscores the ongoing challenges within the GOP and the complex dynamics of the current Congress.
The House is scheduled to vote on a three-month funding extension, known as a continuing resolution (CR), which includes over $230 million for Secret Service protection. This bipartisan agreement aims to prevent a government shutdown, which could occur on October 1, 2024, if new legislation is not enacted by September 30.
This CR represents Johnson's Plan B, following the failure of his initial proposal for a six-month extension that included controversial voter registration requirements. The shift in strategy highlights the delicate balance the Speaker must maintain within a fractured Republican caucus.
"We came a little short of the goal line, so we have to go with the last available play."
The reliance on Democratic support for passing government funding bills has become a recurring theme, marking the seventh such instance in the past year. This pattern reflects the challenges faced by the narrow Republican majority in the House, which has struggled to advance its legislative agenda due to internal divisions.
The current situation exemplifies the complexities of the U.S. budget process, which has evolved significantly since the first federal budget in 1789. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 established the modern congressional budget process, introducing new procedures and timelines for budget legislation.
It's worth noting that the concept of a government "shutdown" only emerged in the 1980s. Since 1976, the U.S. federal government has experienced 21 funding gaps, with the longest lasting 35 days from 2018 to 2019. During shutdowns, essential services continue to operate, as mandated by the Antideficiency Act of 1884.
Johnson has expressed his intention to complete all 12 annual spending bills by the new December 20 deadline. This ambitious goal faces significant challenges, given that Congress will be out of session for all of October and half of November. The Speaker has also vowed not to allow an omnibus bill, potentially setting up a post-election sprint to finalize funding legislation.
The current fiscal situation is particularly concerning, with the U.S. national debt exceeding $30 trillion as of 2024. This underscores the importance of the "power of the purse" held by Congress, which serves as a crucial constitutional check on the executive branch.
As the debate continues, it's important to remember that the Speaker of the House is second in the presidential line of succession after the Vice President, highlighting the significance of this role in American governance. The ongoing funding negotiations will likely have far-reaching implications for both domestic and international affairs in the coming months.