Representative DeLauro emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in the negotiations for the appropriations package. She highlighted the collaborative efforts of herself, Representative Kay Granger, and Senators Collins and Murray, who played key roles in shaping the final bill. Their presence at the negotiating table ensured that the package addressed the needs and concerns of a diverse range of constituents.
One of the key areas of contention during the negotiations was the inclusion of earmarks by senators from both parties. Representative Aderholt’s decision to vote against the package was rooted in his disappointment with these earmarks, which he believed went against the principles of responsible spending. He argued that the Senate had taken advantage of their ability to direct funding to specific projects, disregarding the House’s more stringent guidelines.
While some Republican members expressed their dissatisfaction with the package, particularly in relation to border security, Representative Calvert urged his colleagues to support the bill. He stressed the potential consequences of not passing the package, warning that a failure to do so would result in a full-year continuing resolution. This, in turn, could have serious implications for national security and hinder the government’s ability to address pressing issues effectively.
The tight timeframe between the release of the 1000-page text and the vote on Friday also drew criticism from some members. They argued that such a short period did not allow for thorough review and consideration of the bill’s contents. However, proponents of the package argued that the urgency of the situation necessitated swift action to prevent a government shutdown.
With the House successfully passing the appropriations bills, the focus now shifts to the Senate. Senators will have to review and vote on the package before the midnight deadline to avoid a government shutdown. The outcome in the Senate remains uncertain, as the bill may face further scrutiny and potential amendments. However, the House’s passage of the bills marks a significant step forward in averting a government shutdown and ensuring the continued functioning of federal agencies and programs.
As the package makes its way to the Senate, lawmakers will continue to engage in negotiations and discussions to address any remaining concerns and secure the necessary support for its passage. The fate of the appropriations bills now rests in the hands of the Senate, where further deliberations and compromises may be required to reach a final agreement. The coming hours will be crucial in determining whether the government can avoid a shutdown and maintain stability in its operations.
What’s in the Package?
The package includes provisions that have been celebrated by both Republicans and Democrats. Republicans are pleased with the increase in the number of ICE detention beds and border agents, as well as the funding cuts to NGOs. They are also highlighting provisions that prevent the Consumer Product Safety Commission from banning gas stoves and diplomatic facilities from flying unofficial flags.
Democrats, on the other hand, are praising the $1 billion increase for childcare and early learning programs, with $12 billion allocated for the Head Start program. Another provision that has gained attention is the measure that halts funding for UNWRA, the United Nations agency that provides aid to Palestinians, until March of 2025. This decision was made following allegations by Israel that a dozen UNWRA staffers participated in Hamas’ attack on October 7.
In addition to these provisions, the package includes several other notable allocations. One of the key provisions is the $48.6 billion in discretionary funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding will support crucial research initiatives, including mental health, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer research, and opioid research. The increased funding for these areas reflects the growing recognition of the importance of addressing these pressing health issues.
Furthermore, the package includes $4.6 billion for substance use prevention and treatment. This funding will be used to support various initiatives, including grants for state opioid response and rural communities’ opioid response. With the ongoing opioid crisis affecting communities across the country, this funding is seen as a significant step towards combating the epidemic and providing much-needed support to those affected.
Another provision in the package is the $4 billion allocation for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program aims to assist low-income households in heating and cooling their homes. With rising energy costs and the impact of extreme weather events, this funding will provide crucial assistance to vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring they can maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.
In recognition of the sacrifices made by service members, the package includes a 5.2% pay raise for military personnel. This increase aims to support and honor the men and women serving in the armed forces, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to protecting the nation.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) also receives significant funding in the package, with an allocation of $1.18 billion. These funds will be used to support entrepreneurial development and provide grants to aspiring business owners. This investment in small businesses is crucial for fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities across the country.
Furthermore, the package includes $300 million in funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This allocation reflects the ongoing commitment of the United States to support Ukraine in its efforts to strengthen its security and defense capabilities.
Lastly, the package includes $792 million for the U.S. Capitol Police recruiting and retention efforts, representing an increase of $57 million. This funding aims to ensure the safety and security of the U.S. Capitol and its surrounding areas, particularly in light of recent security threats and incidents.
Overall, the package encompasses a wide range of provisions that address various issues and priorities. From healthcare and education to national security and small business support, the allocations reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of the nation and its citizens. The bipartisan support for many of these provisions demonstrates a willingness to work together and find common ground in the pursuit of progress and prosperity.
What This Means for Speaker Johnson
Under House rules, it only takes one lawmaker to bring up a vote to remove the Speaker. GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has filed a motion to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position. However, it is unclear if or when this motion will be brought to the floor for a vote, as it is not considered privileged.
Speaker Johnson currently presides over a razor-thin, one-vote majority in the House. Additionally, Colorado GOP Representative Ken Buck resigned from the House on Friday, further complicating the balance of power. Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good expressed his discontent with Speaker Johnson, blaming him for bringing the package to the floor for a vote. While he did not delve into personnel issues within GOP leadership, he made it clear that he cannot defend the Speaker.
The passage of the appropriations bills in the House marks an important step in avoiding a government shutdown. However, the package now faces the challenge of gaining approval from the Senate before the midnight deadline. The outcome of the Senate vote and the potential repercussions for Speaker Johnson remain to be seen.
If the Senate fails to approve the appropriations bills, it could have significant consequences for Speaker Johnson. The failure to pass the bills would not only jeopardize the functioning of the government but also further weaken Johnson’s position as Speaker. It would give ammunition to his critics, who argue that he is unable to effectively lead and manage the House.
Furthermore, the resignation of Representative Ken Buck adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With the already slim majority in the House, the loss of one more vote puts Johnson’s leadership in an even more precarious position. It opens up the possibility of further defections from within his own party, as lawmakers may see this as an opportunity to challenge his authority.
The motion filed by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene to remove Speaker Johnson adds another element of uncertainty. While it is unclear if or when the motion will be brought to the floor for a vote, its mere existence creates an atmosphere of tension and instability within the House. Johnson will need to navigate these challenges carefully and strategically to maintain his position.
The outcome of the Senate vote on the appropriations bills will be crucial in determining the future of Speaker Johnson. If the bills are approved, it would provide some relief and a boost to his leadership. However, if they fail to pass, it would likely intensify the calls for his removal and weaken his position even further.
In the coming days, Speaker Johnson will need to rally support from within his party and demonstrate his ability to effectively lead and govern. He will need to address the concerns and criticisms raised by his detractors and work towards finding common ground and consensus among lawmakers. The fate of his speakership hangs in the balance, and how he navigates these challenges will ultimately determine his political future.
