House Republicans have unveiled a 99-page stopgap bill just days before a government shutdown deadline, aiming to secure President Trump’s approval and avoid funding disruptions. The bill, slated to fund the government through September 30, includes a modest increase in defense spending while cutting nondefense programs below 2024 levels. Despite tight margins in Congress, GOP leaders express confidence in passing the bill, backed by Trump’s endorsement for tax and spending cuts.

The proposed legislation faces potential hurdles as Republicans may require Democratic support for passage. With divisions within the GOP ranks, securing unity is crucial for the bill’s success. Some fiscal conservatives, like Rep. Thomas Massie, have expressed reluctance to support the bill due to missing provisions, while others, including Reps. Ralph Norman and Tim Burchett, have shifted their stance in favor of the plan.

Democrats have raised concerns over the stopgap bill, viewing it as a power grab that hampers negotiations for full-year spending bills. House Democrats, led by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, criticize the bill as detrimental to middle-class interests and national security, emphasizing the need for comprehensive fiscal planning.

As the bill progresses through Congress, the outcome remains uncertain, with potential challenges in garnering bipartisan support. The looming deadline and differing perspectives on the bill’s implications underscore the complexity of navigating funding decisions in a politically charged environment. Speaker Johnson’s ability to steer the bill through the House and secure Senate backing will be pivotal in determining its fate.