stopgap funding bill

The Senate overwhelmingly approved a stopgap funding bill with an 89-4 vote to prevent a government shutdown ahead of the fall midterms. The bipartisan support cleared the first major hurdle for the continuing resolution.

The Senate is advancing a bipartisan stopgap funding bill to keep federal agencies operational through December, setting up a potential conflict with the House in September. The bill includes provisions blocking President Trump's plan to appoint political officials for grant approvals and avoids new funding for immigration enforcement, while omitting requested military boosts. Senate leaders aim to pass the measure before recess, with House lawmakers needing to decide whether to accept the Senate's version or pursue their own.

Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges securing Republican votes for a procedural rule to advance legislative priorities, including a stopgap funding bill and defense legislation. GOP holdouts like Thomas Massie and Chip Roy threaten progress, while Democrats oppose funding for immigration enforcement agencies, complicating bipartisan efforts.

House GOP leaders are preparing to bring a stopgap funding bill to the floor next week, aiming to keep federal agencies funded through Dec. 4 and avert a potential government shutdown before the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. The text of the short-term measure has been unveiled by Republicans.