House Passes Short-Term Spending Bill, But Shutdown Still Possible

The House has approved a short-term spending bill Thursday evening that would avoid a government shutdown at midnight on Friday. But, Democrats in the Senate say they have the votes to block its passage shortly before the anniversary of President Trump taking office. 

The House vote, which passed 230-197, had looked to be in danger early on, but passed after Republican leaders managed to cajole members who wanted more money for the military. 

The short-term spending bill extends the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years, and rolls back taxes in the Affordable Care Act. There was no solution for illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children (known as "dreamers"), which has been a key sticking point for Democrats. 

The bill, which keeps the lights on for the government through February 16th, is not guaranteed to pass the Senate, as at least nine members of the Democratic Caucus say they oppose the latest . Other lawmakers say they're tired of passing stopgap measures and want to negotiate a long-term spending bill solution. 

Republican Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have also expressed opposition to the short-term spending bill. The Senate needs 60 votes to pass spending legislation. 

Photo: Getty Images


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