Congressional leaders have released a short-term bill to keep the federal government open until March 14, just days before funding expires at the end of Friday. The bill includes funding for disaster relief, economic assistance for farmers, and measures related to national security and sports. Lawmakers are under pressure to prevent a government shutdown, putting the GOP House majority at risk. The bill would give control of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium to Washington, D.C., potentially bringing the NFL’s Commanders back to the district. However, the bill also creates a messy new shutdown deadline early in President-elect Donald Trump’s term.
The GOP’s “trifecta” in 2025 will give the party more leverage to shape a full funding deal next year, but the short-term bill also presents challenges for House Speaker Mike Johnson in maintaining his majority. Some Republicans prefer to finish the funding task earlier to avoid taking time away from Trump’s other priorities. Sen. Susan Collins preferred a mid-January deadline to give the new administration a clean slate. However, most members of both parties have come to accept that another short-term solution is necessary to keep the government running for the next few months. The bill’s release comes shortly before Congress is set to adjourn for the holidays, adding to the urgency to pass the legislation quickly.
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