The House just squeaked by with a nail-biter of a vote to keep the government’s lights on for another seven weeks.
Breitbart reported that on Friday morning, the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR) with 217 votes in favor and 213 against, sending the bill to the Senate with a looming deadline of October 1 to prevent a shutdown.
This temporary funding measure, designed to buy time until November 21, saw an unusual split in party lines. Only one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, crossed the aisle to support it.
Golden, representing a district that leans toward President Donald Trump, might be playing a smart hand for his constituents, even if it means defying party bosses.
On the Republican side, two members, Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Victoria Spartz of Indiana voted against the CR. Massie, known for his near-constant “no” on just about everything—including some of Trump’s key initiatives—stayed true to form.
Spartz, meanwhile, with her last-minute vote flips and whispers of unpredictable behavior on the Hill, added another twist to the tally.
Three members didn’t even show up to vote, including Republican Rep. Jeff Shreve of Indiana and Democratic Reps. Adam Gray of California and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. Their absence in such a tight race raises eyebrows—where were they when the chips were down?
President Trump himself backed this CR, which likely swayed some hesitant Republicans to get on board. But with such a razor-thin margin, every missing vote or defection stings. It’s a reminder of just how fractured the political landscape remains, even on must-pass legislation.
Now, the ball is in the Senate’s court, and it’s not looking like smooth sailing. Strong opposition awaits the House-passed CR, with senators juggling competing proposals under intense time pressure. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Senate plans a two-step voting process, first tackling a Democratic alternative that’s already being called a dead end by Republican majorities in both chambers and the White House. Then, they’ll take up the House’s CR. Neither bill is expected to pass easily, if at all.
If both measures flop, as many predict, the Senate intends to recess until just days before the October 1 funding deadline.
Talk about cutting it close—some might say it’s a reckless gamble with taxpayers’ trust. But then again, congressional leaders often bank on holiday timing, like Thanksgiving, to nudge reluctant members into line.
That holiday strategy isn’t new; scheduling critical votes before breaks like Thanksgiving or Christmas often pressures lawmakers to wrap things up and head home. It’s a clever, if somewhat cynical, way to herd cats in a divided Congress. Will it work this time? Only time will tell.
Back to Rep. Golden, the lone Democrat who voted yes—his decision stands out in a party otherwise united against the CR.
Representing a Trump-friendly district, he’s among the most vulnerable Democrats facing future challenges. Is this a principled stand or a survival tactic? You decide.
Meanwhile, Rep. Spartz’s “no” vote, paired with her reputation for erratic moves and high staff turnover, paints a picture of chaos in some corners of the GOP. It’s a curious contrast to the party’s push for unity under Trump’s endorsement of the bill. Stability, it seems, is still a work in progress.
As for the Senate’s next steps, the two-step voting approach is meant to give appropriators breathing room for a bipartisan deal.
But with both bills likely to fail and a recess on the horizon, one has to wonder if this is a strategy or stalling. The government’s funding hangs in the balance, and the public deserves better than a last-second scramble.
Since no direct quotes are available from key players in this unfolding drama, we’re left to piece together the motivations behind these votes. The silence from lawmakers speaks volumes—perhaps they’re too busy strategizing to explain themselves to the folks back home.