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“The House and Senate have put together, under the circumstances, a very good funding Bill (‘CR’)! All Republicans should vote (Please!) YES next week,” Trump posted. “Democrats will do anything they can to shut down our Government, and we can’t let that happen.”
He continued, “We have to remain UNITED — NO DISSENT — Fight for another day when the timing is right. VERY IMPORTANT. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Despite Trump’s call for unity, some Republicans have signaled they will not support the measure.
Conservatives Push Back
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., made it clear that he won’t be voting for the continuing resolution (CR).
“I’m not voting for the Continuing Resolution budget (cut-copy-paste omnibus) this week,” Massie posted on X. “Why would I vote to continue the waste fraud and abuse DOGE has found? We were told the CR in December would get us to March when we would fight. Here we are in March, punting again! WTFO.”
However, some conservatives see the bill as a necessary step. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., who has never supported a CR before, says he’s backing Johnson’s plan this time around.
“I don’t like CRs,” Norman admitted. “But what’s the alternative? Negotiate with Democrats? No.” He expressed confidence in Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to address the national debt.
What’s in the Bill?
House GOP leadership has been briefing reporters on the specifics of the funding measure. The bill would authorize $892.5 billion in defense spending and $708 billion for non-defense programs.
To address concerns about national security, an additional $8 billion is allocated for defense. Meanwhile, non-defense discretionary spending would be reduced by about $13 billion. Additionally, $6 billion is earmarked for veterans’ health care.
The bill also includes additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which Trump specifically requested. Republican aides say this money is meant to cover an “operations shortfall that goes back to the Biden administration.”
“That money, most of that, has already been obligated prior to the start of this administration. So that request reflects an existing hole,” a source explained.
Fiscal Responsibility and Spending Cuts
The measure ensures that federal spending remains within the limits set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), which capped spending increases at 1% for FY 2025. Republicans argue that removing certain “side deals” made during the FRA negotiations will help further reduce non-defense spending.
Moreover, lawmakers would not be able to allocate funds for “preferred projects” in their districts, commonly known as earmarks. House GOP leaders view this as another step toward cutting unnecessary spending.
Importantly, the bill does not impact mandatory spending programs such as Social Security and Medicare. However, Democrats are already expressing concerns, claiming that Republicans want to use Medicaid to fund tax cuts originally passed under Trump’s first term.
Democrats Oppose the Measure
Democrats are standing firm against the bill. House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., along with other Democratic leaders, announced their opposition.
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Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., who lead the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, slammed the measure, accusing Republicans of giving Trump and Musk too much power over federal spending.
“This legislation would give Donald Trump and Elon Musk more power over federal spending — and more power to pick winners and losers, which threatens families in blue and red states alike,” Murray warned.
DeLauro echoed that sentiment on X, calling the bill “a power grab for the White House.”
What’s Next?
With the deadline fast approaching, Republicans will have to push this bill through without much Democratic support. If they fail, parts of the government will shut down, handing Democrats an opportunity to blame the GOP for the chaos. Johnson and Trump are betting that Republicans will hold the line — but whether enough of them get on board remains to be seen.
