House scuttles Johnson's government funding plan with days to go until shutdown
The House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a funding proposal put forth by Speaker Mike Johnson, aimed at temporarily financing the government while also addressing noncitizen voting. The vote concluded with a 202-220 outcome, where over a dozen Republicans sided with Democrats against the measure, demonstrating significant bipartisan discontent. Johnson expressed his disappointment following the vote and suggested he would regroup with lawmakers to create an alternative plan. The potential for a government shutdown looms larger as the new fiscal year begins on October 1, leaving the path forward uncertain. Notably, two Republican representatives voted "present," while three Democrats broke ranks to support the bill.
This episode underscores the growing tensions within the Republican Party over funding approaches and priorities. As discussions continue, the urgency to avert a government shutdown intensifies. Johnson reiterated his belief that the proposed plan was aligned with the needs of the American people, indicating he remains committed to finding a viable solution.