House Speaker Mike Johnson Proposes Short-Term Funding Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown, Balancing Defense Increases with Non-Defense Cuts

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, introduced a short-term funding bill on Saturday aimed at preventing a government shutdown. This continuing resolution (CR) is designed to extend government operations through the end of September. The 99-page bill proposes a moderate increase in defense spending, granting the U.S. Department of Defense some financial flexibility. In contrast, non-defense discretionary spending is set to decrease under this proposal.

The CR is scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives early next week, with Johnson indicating that the vote will likely occur on Tuesday. This timing is crucial as current government funding is set to expire late Friday night. The bill is a stopgap measure intended to maintain government funding and operations through September, thereby averting a potential shutdown.

Notably, the proposed CR does not allocate any additional spending for emergency funding, disaster designations, or community projects. However, it does include an additional $6 billion specifically earmarked for veterans’ health services. This allocation reflects a prioritization of veterans’ health within the broader context of reduced non-defense spending.

President Donald Trump, who is in the early months of his second term, has expressed his willingness to sign the bill should it reach his desk. His support indicates an interest in avoiding the disruptions that a government shutdown could cause. As the House prepares for the upcoming vote, the focus remains on balancing defense needs with fiscal constraints, while ensuring continued government operations.