WASHINGTON, D.C. – A group of hardline Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives voted down a temporary funding bill on Friday, increasing the likelihood of a partial federal government shutdown starting on Sunday.
The defeated measure, which aimed to extend government funding by 30 days, garnered a 232-198 vote, failing to pass the House. The bill included spending cuts and immigration restrictions, elements unlikely to gain support in the Democratic-led Senate.
The loss left the Republican-controlled House, with a 221-212 majority, without a cohesive plan to prevent a shutdown, which would affect up to 4 million federal workers and halt various government services. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy did not specify the next steps but hinted at the possibility of a funding extension that excludes the conservative policies opposed by Democrats. More votes are expected on Saturday.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that the shutdown would hinder U.S. economic progress, affecting programs for small businesses and delaying infrastructure projects. This would be the fourth government shutdown in a decade and occurs just four months after the federal government narrowly avoided defaulting on its debt.
President Joe Biden emphasized the adverse impact a shutdown would have on the military, stating it would be an “absolute dereliction of duty” to play politics while troops are at risk.
The bill’s failure was due to 21 hardline House Republicans siding with Democrats. Some of these Republicans insist that Congress should focus on passing detailed annual spending bills rather than relying on temporary extensions.
Former President Donald Trump criticized Senate Republicans for cooperating with Democrats. Meanwhile, divisions within the Republican Party grew as some hardliners, including Representative Matt Gaetz, threatened to remove McCarthy from his leadership role if he collaborates with Democratic votes.
This internal strife has prompted Democrats to describe the situation as a “Republican civil war” that now threatens a serious government shutdown.
Based on an original news report by Reuters.