House Approves Stopgap Funding to Avert Shutdown
Senate Revisions Secure Bipartisan Support for Continuing Resolution Amid Midterm Election Push
Sarah Connor
The US House of Representatives approved legislation to prevent a government shutdown through the midterms.
The Senate overwhelmingly approved the Continuing Resolution last month, making revisions to ensure its passage. These Senate revisions made the stopgap funding bill more palatable to Democrats, specifically preventing the Department of Homeland Security from shifting funds to the Border Patrol.
The longest government shutdown in history lasted 75 days, from mid-February to the end of April of the same year. That impasse stemmed from immigration funding disputes for the Department of Homeland Security.
The bill reportedly delays a proposed rule from the Office of Management and Budget that would give political appointees more power over federal grant distribution. Democrats claim the administration will use this proposed regulation on grants to steer money away from Democratic-led states.
A provision delaying a federal ban on intoxicating hemp THC products for one month has drawn criticism from many GOP lawmakers. GOP leaders will probably place the bill on a fast-track process that avoids a separate procedural vote, bypassing any Republican efforts to block or stall the legislation.
Members were incentivized to pass the bill so they can race back to the states to campaign with just two months until the midterm elections. The urgency of House Republicans to pass the funding bill is surely tied to the tough fight many lawmakers face on the campaign trail ahead.
Most forecasters believe Democratic candidates have an edge in retaking the majority in the House of Representatives. The minority may also be able to regain control of the Senate by winning seats in at least three states that voted for Trump two years ago, according to unspecified claims.
An exclusive Daily Mail/JL Partners poll conducted in July showed that voters said they would vote for a Democratic candidate in the upcoming November midterm elections by over nine points. This marked a full point increase from a month earlier.