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House Republicans are pursuing an unprecedented strategy to pass government funding legislation without Democratic support, marking a significant departure from traditional bipartisan approaches.
Under Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership, Republicans are advancing a bill to maintain current funding levels for federal agencies through the end of the fiscal year on September 30. The proposal would preserve both defense and non-defense spending at 2024 levels, with a critical deadline looming on March 14.
This solo Republican endeavor represents a dramatic shift from the usual process of crafting bipartisan funding measures. Historically, Republicans have relied on Democratic votes to pass spending bills, but now they’re attempting to pass the continuing resolution independently and challenge Senate Democrats to either accept it or face potential blame for a government shutdown.
And here is the plan on the budget.
The Republicans can't get their work done AGAIN, so we have to kick the can down the road to September.
Because they'll have their work done by then.
I really hope Trump doesn't believe that. pic.twitter.com/IBDi77X7uD
— john jackson (@pvtjokerus) March 6, 2025
The initiative has received crucial endorsement from President Donald Trump, who has demonstrated his ability to unite Republican lawmakers. “Let’s get this Bill done!” Trump declared on social media.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., typically opposed to continuing resolutions, has expressed support for Johnson’s approach. He expressed confidence in Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to address national debt concerns.
“I don’t like CRs,” Norman said. “But what’s the alternative? Negotiate with Democrats? No.”
“I freeze spending for six months to go identify more cuts? Somebody tell me how that’s not a win in Washington,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, another frequent spending bill opponent who now supports the measure.
GOP leaders hope resolving current funding issues will enable them to focus on extending Trump-era individual tax cuts and addressing the debt ceiling. However, Democratic leadership warns this unilateral approach increases shutdown risks, particularly regarding the administration’s spending flexibility under the proposed legislation.
“We cannot stand by and accept a yearlong power grab CR that would help Elon take a chainsaw to programs that families rely on and agencies that keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Patty Murray, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has maintained a cautious stance. “We have to wait to see what their plan is,” Schumer said. “We’ve always believed the only solution is a bipartisan solution, no matter what.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries initially indicated his caucus would review the legislation but later adopted a stronger position, emphasizing Democrats’ willingness to negotiate a bipartisan agreement while rejecting the current proposal’s potential impacts on veteran benefits and nutrition assistance programs.
“WE’RE BANKRUPT.” Steve Bannon On Republican Failure To Have Budget Plan By March 14th Deadline pic.twitter.com/wTsfDiVXd8
— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) February 25, 2025
“That is not acceptable,” Jeffries stated.
The narrow Republican majority in both chambers complicates passage, with House Republicans able to lose only one vote assuming unified Democratic opposition. The Senate requires even broader support, needing at least seven Democratic votes alongside unanimous Republican backing.
Trump has actively engaged with House Republicans to secure votes, meeting with Representative Tim Burchett and others. “I’m open to it,” Burchett said. “But I want to see what’s in it.”
Meanwhile, a Democratic aide speaking anonymously revealed ongoing discussions about alternative spending agreements, potentially serving as a backup plan if the continuing resolution fails.
