House Faces Midnight Deadline: Will $1.2 Trillion Spending Package Pass?

The House is gearing up for a crucial vote on a $1.2 trillion spending package aimed at averting a government shutdown, with a deadline looming just hours away

This bipartisan bill, which has the backing of President Biden and leaders from both parties in Congress, is designed to fund a significant portion of the government for the next six months. 

However, it faces considerable hurdles, particularly from members on the far right.

To navigate these challenges, House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to employ a tactic that would suspend the House rules, thereby requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. 

This strategy will rely heavily on Democratic support to succeed. Should the House pass the bill, the Senate will also need to swiftly vote to prevent a government shutdown starting this weekend.

The House debate is scheduled to commence shortly after 11 a.m. Eastern time, with lawmakers allotted an hour to discuss the bill. 

While most key leaders are in favor of the legislation, some, like Rep. Chip Roy, are expected to voice opposition. 

This disagreement underscores broader tensions within the GOP, particularly with the hard-right Freedom Caucus at odds with Speaker Johnson.

One of the major sticking points in the spending deal was funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which was subject to debates over immigration policy and border security. 

The bill includes increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents but also cuts U.S. contributions to certain nongovernmental organizations.

Republican leaders have been actively working to secure votes, facing resistance from some members, including Rep. Robert B. Aderholt, who opposes certain aspects of the bill. 

Despite these challenges, leaders remain optimistic about the bill's passage, aiming for a two-thirds majority in the House.

The legislation provides funding for various government departments and agencies until the end of September, with notable increases in defense spending, border security, and climate resilience programs. 

It also includes cuts to keep spending below a predetermined cap, with some unexpected victories for Republicans, such as cuts to foreign aid and funding restrictions for certain programs.