The House is gearing up for a crucial vote on a plan to prevent a government shutdown, scheduled to take place between 5 and 6 p.m. ET. Members of the House were recently informed of the timing of the vote, which comes amidst uncertainty regarding its outcome.
House Democrats are set to convene for a caucus meeting before the vote, as confirmed by multiple Democratic sources. The urgency of the situation stems from the recent developments after President-elect Donald Trump derailed an initial bipartisan spending agreement earlier this week. Subsequently, a GOP proposal endorsed by Trump failed to secure enough votes in a previous session.
With the clock ticking towards a midnight deadline, lawmakers are under pressure to reach a consensus and avert a government shutdown. The latest proposal involves bundling a spending package, disaster relief funds, agricultural assistance, and an extension of the farm bill into a single package. This consolidated approach would be subject to a two-thirds majority vote under suspension of the rules.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has assured the public that a government shutdown will be avoided, although specific details of the plan have not been disclosed. The outcome of the impending vote remains uncertain, adding to the suspense surrounding the ongoing negotiations.
