The US House of Representatives moved closer to preventing a government shutdown on Tuesday after Speaker Mike Johnson rallied Republican lawmakers behind a sweeping government funding bill, setting the stage for final passage of legislation designed to keep federal agencies operating through the end of the fiscal year. The procedural victory marked a critical step in advancing the appropriations package and reflected intense negotiations within the Republican conference to maintain unity ahead of the looming deadline.
Johnson and his leadership team, working in coordination with President Donald Trump, secured support from nearly every Republican member during a key floor vote that allowed the measure to proceed. Only one lawmaker, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voted against the procedural step. The narrow margin underscored the delicate balance Johnson faced in managing internal divisions while ensuring the House could complete its work on time.
The House is expected to take up final passage of the funding bill later in the day. The legislation would finalize 11 of the annual appropriations measures that finance most government operations through September 30, providing stability for federal departments that have faced uncertainty in recent days. Lawmakers described the package as essential to avoiding service disruptions and financial strain across agencies.
Conservative Republicans had initially threatened to block the bill unless party leaders agreed to add stricter voter identification requirements, creating tension within the GOP. Pressure from Trump and senior party figures helped persuade most holdouts to support the legislation without major changes. In public remarks, Johnson emphasized the need for consensus and described the process as routine negotiation among members with varying priorities.
The vote to advance the measure was held open for nearly an hour as leaders worked behind the scenes to address concerns and secure commitments. The final tally of 217-215 highlighted the slim majority Johnson commands and the importance of near-unanimous backing within the conference.
While most of the federal budget would be covered through the end of the fiscal year, the Department of Homeland Security would receive short-term funding through mid-February as talks continue over enforcement policies and the future of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Democrats have pressed for tighter limits, while Republicans argue for maintaining robust border security measures.
Trump has signaled he will sign the bill once it reaches his desk, urging lawmakers to remain united and avoid what he described as a costly and unnecessary shutdown. If approved, the measure would bring an end to the partial lapse in funding that began over the weekend and restore full government operations, offering temporary certainty as Congress prepares for further debates over spending and immigration policy in the months ahead.
