US government shutdown looms as House Democrats reject funding proposal
What's the story
A possible government shutdown is on the horizon in the United States, after House Democrats signaled their opposition to a stopgap funding plan.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal was criticized by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Johnson indicated he intends to offer a "clean" continuing resolution for early next week, but Jeffries called it "unacceptable."
Proposal details
Johnson's proposal and its implications
Louisiana representative Johnson had announced a "clean" continuing resolution for a vote early next week; it would fund the government at current levels.
The aim is to incorporate all cuts and new innovations into federal budgeting.
However, conservative Republicans are pushing for any stopgap measure to include the codification of cuts ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Democratic response
Democrats demand safeguards against budget cuts
Democrats in Congress are opposing proposed cuts and demanding safeguards against President Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk reducing congressionally approved spending.
Given Republicans's slender 218-214 majority, Johnson will likely need Democratic support for his bill.
Jeffries slammed Republicans for introducing a partisan continuing resolution that could potentially reduce funding for healthcare, nutritional assistance, and veterans benefits through the end of the current fiscal year.
Alternative support
Democrats express support for alternative bill
Jeffries said House Democrats would enthusiastically support a bill protecting Social Security, Medicare, veterans health, and Medicaid.
But he accused Republicans of putting these on the chopping block to fund tax cuts for billionaires like Musk.
He stressed they couldn't support a measure that ripped away life-sustaining healthcare and retirement benefits from everyday Americans as part of the Republican scheme to pay for massive tax cuts for their wealthy donors.
Legislative deadline
Deadline for Congress to pass funding measure
Congress has until 11:59pm on March 14 to pass a measure to keep the government open.
Any bill passed by the GOP-led House would have to clear a 60-vote threshold in the Senate.
This will require at least seven Democratic Senators to join Republicans for it to be passed and sent to President Trump's desk.