House passes stopgap bill to avoid government shutdown

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 21, passed a short-term funding bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown at the end of September.

The measure, known as a continuing resolution, would keep federal agencies funded through December 4. It passed by a vote of 220–205, largely along party lines, and now moves to the U.S. Senate, where bipartisan support will be needed for approval.

Current government funding is set to expire on September 30. Republican leaders in the House said early action was necessary to avoid last-minute brinkmanship and potential disruption.

“Our conference refuses to let the obstruction and inaction of Senate Democrats trigger another manufactured shutdown at the end of September. That is why we are acting before a funding lapse crisis, not in response to it,” said Tom Cole, chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

Lawmakers also narrowly approved a procedural step, 214–211, to advance both the stopgap bill and a broader budget framework tied to a $95 billion spending package.

In the U.S., Congress is responsible for passing annual spending bills, but delays are common. When deadlines are missed, lawmakers often rely on temporary measures like this one to keep the government running.

While the House has passed three funding bills for the next fiscal year starting October 1, the Senate has not approved any so far. Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate remain stalled.

Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said a temporary funding bill is necessary but criticised the Republican proposal as rushed. She also objected to funding for border enforcement without what she described as meaningful reforms, particularly in relation to policies linked to Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.

If the Senate fails to pass the measure, negotiations are expected to intensify in September, just weeks before the deadline. The situation could become more complicated as the November midterm elections approach, with Democrats aiming to regain control of Congress.

By Tamilla Hasanova