House approves stopgap funding bill, putting shutdown ball in the Senate's court

The House passed a seven-week stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown on October 1, with a vote of 217-212. Speaker Mike Johnson secured the win despite some Republican dissent. The bill is intended to extend negotiations on new funding levels but has drawn criticism from Democrats for its lack of bipartisan input.

Senate approval is doubtful as Democrats push for additional provisions, including health care extensions. The House bill would fund agencies until November 21 and include enhanced spending for the WIC program and lawmaker security. This legislative effort reflects a shift, allowing Republicans to pass funding without Democratic support, a move once opposed by fiscal hard-liners.