US House passes funding bill to avert government shutdown ahead of midterms

The US House of Representatives has passed a temporary spending bill to fund the federal government through December 11. This measure, which previously cleared the Senate, prevents a government shutdown ahead of the November midterm elections. The continuing resolution grants Congress additional time to negotiate and pass the full 12 spending bills required to fund the government for fiscal year 2027, which runs through September 30, 2027. Lawmakers acknowledged the bill provides time to navigate past the elections, as government shutdowns are unpopular and could impact re-election chances. The bill now awaits President Donald Trump's signature.

The House of Representatives passed a short-term bill to fund the federal government until early December, aiming to prevent a shutdown before the upcoming elections. This measure, which passed with a vote of 370-48, was necessary to avoid a lapse in funding as the fiscal year ends in September. The Senate had already overwhelmingly approved the bill, sending it to President Trump for his signature. Lawmakers were motivated to act due to recent lengthy government shutdowns and a desire for certainty for constituents and federal employees. The bill provides funding at current levels, giving Congress more time to negotiate a full-year budget, though significant disagreements remain between Republicans and Democrats on spending priorities.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is initiating a floor vote on a stopgap funding bill to avert a federal government shutdown before the November midterms. Concurrently, a Trump White House official stated that the US intends to advocate for a hands-off regulatory approach to Artificial Intelligence among G20 members. This discussion will occur at a gathering of industry leaders and commerce ministers starting Tuesday in North Carolina. The meeting takes place during a critical period for AI development and global governance debates, amidst growing US concerns about China's AI supremacy.

House lawmakers are returning to Washington with a stopgap spending bill as their top priority to prevent a government shutdown before the midterm elections. They are also expected to vote on a resolution condemning socialism, intended to amplify the GOP's messaging strategy. Additionally, a Senate-passed bill imposing sanctions on Russia's economy and allowing President Trump to enact tariffs on certain oil and gas-importing countries may be considered, though some House Democrats oppose its broad tariff authority. The House will also address a recommendation from the Ethics Committee to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., for alleged unprofessional conduct toward aides, a recommendation Edwards disputes.

A 75-day partial US government shutdown has concluded after the House of Representatives voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This resolution passed following a late-night Republican effort and a last-minute deal on ethanol fuel provisions that secured enough votes. The Republican budget blueprint enabled the passage of $75 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border patrol along party lines, bypassing Democratic demands for oversight. President Trump has set a June 1 deadline for a final funding package, with the White House warning of potential payment issues for DHS employees from May if no action is taken. A separate bill to fund non-immigration DHS agencies still requires passage before lawmakers recess.