January 1, House Democrats’ Funding Bid Blocked Fast

Wyatt’s Take

• Democrats tried a last-minute move to pass their own spending bill.
• Republicans quickly shut it down, keeping their plan in front.
• The threat of a government shutdown is still looming.

Democrats made a final push Tuesday to pass their own funding bill, but Republicans quickly stopped it. With a shutdown just hours away, Democrats wanted to keep current spending going and add new liberal priorities, but Republicans dismissed these as non-starters.

One House Republican has the power to block a unanimous consent request. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, stood ready as dozens of Democrats gathered in hopes of passing their bill.

When Democrats called out on the House floor, Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., ignored their calls and ended the session. Some Democrats shouted “shame on you” as they left.

The Constitution requires regular brief “pro forma” sessions to keep Congress running. These meetings also allow lawmakers to speak or bring forward bills even when nothing formal is happening.

Earlier this month, the House passed a Republican-backed funding bill to keep the government running until November 21. It left out the Democrat wish list and only added money for lawmaker security, a move supported by both parties.

Democrats are angry they were left out of talks. They want to bring back COVID-era health subsidies and undo recent Medicaid changes, plus restore funding for NPR and PBS.

Republicans, including President Trump, accuse Democrats of making partisan demands and risking a shutdown. The Senate will consider the House bill, but it needs Democrat votes to move forward.

If the Senate can’t pass the bill, a partial government shutdown could begin at midnight.

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Wyatt Matters

It shouldn’t come down to last-minute games when regular Americans’ paychecks, security, and daily life are on the line. It’s time leaders remember who they work for and put the country above political fights.