Republicans release 7-week spending bill as Democrats warn of a potential shutdown

Source: NPR

Updated September 16, 2025 1:49 PM ET


Two weeks before a possible government shutdown, House Republicans are unveiling legislation to fund the government through Nov. 21 and add security resources for government officials. It's unclear they have the votes to pass it as Democrats call for further negotiations. The stopgap bill extends current funding levels for federal agencies for seven weeks and adds $58 million to boost security for the federal judiciary and for executive branch officials, following a request from the White House.

Republican leaders in the House added another $30 million to increase resources that lawmakers can use for their own security. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters on Tuesday the bill allows more time to come to agreement on year-long spending bills. "We need responsible options to keep the government open while all this work continues and Republicans are committed to making that happen," House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday.

In recent days, President Trump used social media to urge Republicans in the House and Senate to unite around a so-called "clean" continuing resolution and accused Democrats of pressing for a shutdown. "In times like these, Republicans have to stick TOGETHER to fight back against the Radical Left Democrat demands, and vote 'YES!'" the president posted on his platform, Truth Social.

Democrats have pressed Republicans for bipartisan talks on a short-term bill and are demanding that any spending extension should address expiring health care subsidies that are due to expire at the end of the year. Some Democrats are also demanding that a bill roll back the changes to the Medicaid program that were part of the GOP tax bill that was signed into law in July.

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2025/09/16/nx-s1-5543189/house-republican-stopgap-shutdown