Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat challenging President Biden for the party’s presidential nomination, said he will be voting in favor of House Republicans’ two-step stopgap spending bill that would avert a government shutdown this week.
Getting the support of a Democrat looks good for Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, who will need support from across the aisle to get the bill passed on Tuesday.
Mr. Phillips, Minnesota Democrat, first confirmed his yes vote to NBC News. “It’s not perfect,” he said of the bill, “but it’s a whole lot better than a shutdown.”
Several lawmakers have already said no to the Speaker’s plan to use a two-step “laddered” approach to fund different portions of the government until Jan. 19 and Feb. 2.
Hardline conservatives in the House said they won’t vote for it unless spending cuts are added. Some Senate Republicans said the two different shutdown dates make it complicated.
Democrats in both chambers are just plain against it.
GOP Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Chip Roy of Texas and Warren Davidson of Ohio are among those who are against the stopgap bill, known in Congress jargon as a continuing resolution or a CR, because it would keep spending at its current levels.
Mr. Johnson said his plan puts Congress on track to pass full-year spending bills rather than the giant spending bills that have become routine at the end of each year.
“Washington’s spending addiction cannot be broken overnight. But I will not allow end-of-year megabus spending packages to continue under my leadership,” Mr. Johnson posted Sunday on X. “This CR delivers for the country and ensures [House Republicans are] in the best possible position to fight for fiscal responsibility, oversight, and meaningful policy changes.”
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, is expected to release his stopgap spending bill later this week.
• Ramsey Touchberry and Alex Miller contributed to this report.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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