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Lawmakers To Vote On Plan B

On Friday, the House will make another attempt to prevent a government shutdown, with Republicans planning to bring forward a revised spending proposal. This new bill, which would extend government funding at current levels until March 14, is seen as a critical step in averting a shutdown that could disrupt essential services just before the holidays.

The bill, backed by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), includes key provisions such as a one-year extension of the farm bill and billions in disaster aid, both of which were part of a previous proposal that failed to pass on Thursday night. However, in a significant departure from earlier drafts, the revised bill will not include a provision to raise the debt ceiling, a demand that had originally been championed by former President Trump. This change comes after pushback from both Democrats and some Republicans who opposed the debt limit increase, despite Trump’s calls for its inclusion.

Instead, GOP leadership is focusing on passing the package through a fast-tracked process that requires a two-thirds majority. While it’s uncertain whether Democrats will support the bill, Republicans are pushing forward with the belief that it’s their best option to prevent a shutdown. The vote is scheduled for 5 p.m. EST, with the clock ticking toward a midnight deadline when parts of the government would shut down without legislative action.

In the event that this bill doesn’t pass, Republicans are preparing an alternative strategy. One option involves splitting the plan into three separate measures: a clean continuing resolution, a disaster aid package, and a bill to assist farmers. However, this would likely not be considered until after midnight, potentially leading to a shutdown.

Despite the challenges, Speaker Johnson is adamant that a shutdown will be avoided. “We will meet our obligations,” he said, emphasizing that military personnel, essential government workers, and disaster victims would be supported.

In the long run, Republicans are eyeing a broader fiscal strategy. Instead of dealing with the debt ceiling now, they plan to use the reconciliation process to secure a $1.5 trillion increase in the debt limit in exchange for $2.5 trillion in spending cuts. This approach would allow Republicans to bypass the Senate filibuster and enact major reforms, including tax cuts and border security measures, without needing Democratic cooperation.

The ultimate goal is to ensure the government stays open while laying the groundwork for a more conservative fiscal agenda in the coming months. With the pressure of a looming shutdown, GOP leadership is determined to force action, setting the stage for a battle over the nation’s finances that will continue into the next year.