Is Trump Better Than Harris at Representing U.S. On World Stage?

Democrats Bail Out Speaker Johnson?

House Democrats are currently playing their cards close to the vest regarding support for the latest spending proposal from Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Johnson’s renewed push for a continuing resolution aims to avert a government shutdown and extend funding through December 20, allowing lawmakers additional time to finalize the fiscal 2025 budget.

Last week’s attempt at a six-month continuing resolution, which included the SAVE Act—a measure aimed at enhancing voting integrity—was derailed when 14 Republican members opposed it. This has put the GOP leadership in a tight spot, as they now require bipartisan cooperation to pass the revised three-month deal. Historically, some Republicans have been hesitant to back continuing resolutions, heightening the urgency for Democratic votes.

Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) has expressed a willingness to work across the aisle, stating, “We’ll work in a bipartisan way to make sure that this gets done.” However, he also noted that they have not officially gauged how many Democrats will join Republicans in support of the measure. The situation is delicate, with the House GOP holding only a slim majority and facing resistance from hard-liners within their own ranks.

Despite the uncertainty, several Democratic leaders have hinted that a continuing resolution is preferable to a prolonged budget stalemate. House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) indicated that shifting from a six-month to a three-month plan is a positive step, as extending negotiations into the next year would be impractical.

On the Republican side, there is clear frustration with the need to rely on Democratic votes to ensure the government remains funded. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) articulated a sentiment shared by many in the party, emphasizing that needing Democratic support is a setback.

As the vote approaches, Speaker Johnson has reassured his colleagues that they would not have to face an omnibus spending bill at Christmas, allowing for more focused discussions on individual appropriations. The dynamics at play underscore the challenges facing Republican leadership in navigating a divided Congress while striving to uphold their fiscal principles.