House Republicans Overcome Setbacks and Advance Key Spending Bills

House Republicans regrouped after two failed votes and voted to open debate on a package of spending bills in an attempt to prevent a government shutdown. Speaker Kevin McCarthy aims to rally his party behind four partisan appropriations bills to strengthen their negotiating position with Democrats and the White House. The bills would fund Defense, Homeland Security, Agriculture, State Department, and foreign operations, while adhering to House conservatives' demands for budget cuts. McCarthy plans to bring a short-term funding bill to the floor this week, despite opposition from some conservatives. The Senate introduced its own funding bill, including Ukraine aid that House Republicans oppose, leading McCarthy to criticize the Senate's prioritization of Ukraine over Americans.