US House Panel Approves Funding Bills as Shutdown Deadline Looms

The U.S. House of Representatives' Rules Committee has approved four appropriations bills for debate on the full House floor, as Republicans attempt to prevent government shutdowns before the September 30 deadline. The bills cover funding for the departments of Defense, Agriculture, State, and Homeland Security for fiscal year 2024. However, it remains uncertain whether enough Republicans will vote for the rules on the House floor. Infighting between far-right and moderate House Republicans has hindered progress on legislation to keep the government running. A short-term spending bill will likely be needed to avoid agency suspensions, but some far-right Republicans oppose this. House Republicans have prepared separate full-year spending bills, which are expected to be rejected by the Democratic-controlled Senate. The House has only passed one of the 12 appropriations bills, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy aims to advance a short-term spending bill through October 31. However, some Republicans oppose this, and failure to agree on a spending plan could result in a government shutdown.