House Republicans defeated their own plan to avert a government shutdown at the end of the month, with a split within the party over the length of a short-term funding bill and what should be attached to it. Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposal, which included funding at current levels for six months and a provision requiring proof of citizenship to vote, failed to pass with 14 Republicans voting against it. Democrats want a “clean” three-month funding patch with no attachments. President Trump has called for a shutdown unless his proposed legislation is passed. With the deadline looming, Senate leaders are now the focus, as both parties agree that a shutdown just weeks before the election would be disastrous. The likely next move is a clean CR bill to keep the government running past the election into December. With tensions running high and blame being shifted between parties, a shutdown remains a real possibility unless a bipartisan funding deal can be reached in the coming weeks. House Speaker Johnson expressed disappointment over the failed vote but did not reveal his next steps. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell warned of the political consequences of a shutdown so close to the election. Both parties are hoping that negotiations can lead to a funding agreement to avoid a government shutdown.
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