Sat Mar 08 23:42:47 UTC 2025: **House Republicans Push Forward with Unilateral Spending Bill, Risking Government Shutdown**

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2025 – House Republicans unveiled a $1.6 trillion spending bill on Saturday, risking a government shutdown by proceeding without Democratic support. The bill, which would fund federal agencies through September 30th, prioritizes a slight increase in defense spending ($892.5 billion, slightly above 2024 levels) while cutting non-defense spending by approximately $13 billion. This approach directly contradicts Democrats’ insistence on parallel increases in both areas.

Speaker Mike Johnson plans a Tuesday vote, betting on Republican unity to pass the bill despite the lack of bipartisan consensus. Crucially, President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the measure, urging Republicans to remain united. The bill omits earmarks but includes a significant pay raise for junior enlisted service members and additional funding for a nutritional assistance program. However, it excludes funding for numerous programs, including Social Security and Medicare, which operate under separate legislation.

Democrats strongly oppose the bill, criticizing its unilateral nature and potential cuts to key programs. Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Patty Murray issued statements condemning the legislation, highlighting concerns about the power it grants the Trump administration over spending. Sen. Susan Collins emphasized the need to prevent a shutdown, citing the negative impact on essential government services and employees.

Despite historically opposing continuing resolutions, some Republican representatives, swayed by Trump’s support and confidence in Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, now support the measure. They argue that avoiding negotiation with Democrats and freezing spending for six months to identify further cuts represents a strategic win.

Republicans hope passage of this spending bill will allow them to focus on extending individual tax cuts and raising the debt ceiling. However, Democrats warn that the unilateral approach increases the likelihood of a government shutdown and express readiness to negotiate a bipartisan solution prioritizing working families. With a slim Republican majority in the House and a significantly larger Democratic majority in the Senate, the bill faces an uphill battle for passage. The lack of Democratic support greatly increases the risk of a government shutdown by Friday’s deadline.

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