The House passed the stopgap funding measure with 366 votes in favor and 34 votes against. Notably, all 34 votes against came from Republicans, with 196 Democrats and 170 Republicans voting in favor.
Democrats supported the measure to maximize their leverage over tax issues in the upcoming year and to ensure the government remains operational. They demonstrated near-unanimous support, with only one Democrat abstaining from the vote.
Democrats may face challenges in maintaining unity on contentious issues like border security, which has been a weak spot for frontline Democrats in past elections and could resurface in 2026.
Hakeem Jeffries has emerged as a strong leader, following in the footsteps of Nancy Pelosi. He commands the respect of his caucus, and Democrats have consistently followed his guidance, demonstrating near-lockstep unity.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are seen as influential figures, but their lack of familiarity with Washington could limit their effectiveness. Their recommendations may carry weight, but they are not elected officials and cannot directly enact policy.
Cutting $2.5 trillion in spending would require significant reductions in entitlements like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which are politically sensitive and unlikely to be touched. This makes the proposed cuts mathematically and politically challenging.
Yes, the Senate is expected to pass the measure by the midnight deadline, though there may be votes on amendments proposed by Senators Lee and Rand Paul.
The House passed funding to keep the US government operating until mid-March just hours before a midnight shutdown deadline, capping off a tumultuous two days in which two earlier plans pursued by Speaker Mike Johnson collapsed. For instant reaction and analysis, host Kailey Leinz speaks with Lester Munson, Principal of the International Practice at BGR Group and Republican Strategist, Jeanne Sheehan Zaino, Senior Democracy Fellow with the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress and Bloomberg Politics Contributor and Megan Scully, Bloomberg Capitol Influence team leader.
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