The House passed a government funding bill by a slim margin of 217-213, voting along party lines. The legislation maintains current funding for most operations while cutting environmental programs severely. The EPA faces a $1.8 billion reduction, with clean air programs losing 60% of funding and environmental justice initiatives completely defunded. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it needs 60 votes and faces significant challenges before the shutdown deadline.
Congress narrowly passed an essential funding bill on Tuesday with a vote of 217-213, splitting along party lines. The legislation maintains current funding levels for most government operations through the fiscal year while making significant changes to certain agencies’ budgets. The bill increases defense spending and veterans’ health care funding, while decreasing non-defense spending below 2024 levels.
Environmental programs face the deepest cuts. The Environmental Protection Agency would see its funding slashed by $1.8 billion, a 20% reduction. Clean air programs would suffer a 60% cut, while the environmental justice program would lose all its funding. These cuts could severely hamper efforts to reduce the power sector emissions that contribute 25% of U.S. greenhouse gases. The bill also contains policy riders that would prevent the EPA from reducing air pollution. Health programs aren’t spared either, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention facing a $1.8 billion reduction, cutting its budget by 22%.
Environmental and health programs bear the brunt of cuts, with EPA losing 20% and CDC slashed by 22%.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to pass before Friday’s government shutdown deadline. At least eight Democrats would need to support the measure, creating pressure on senators from states that former President Trump won. Senator Rand Paul has already pledged to oppose the bill, further complicating its path.
Democrats have strongly opposed the measure, calling for a “clean” short-term continuing resolution instead. They argue the bill gives a “blank check” to Elon Musk while cutting important programs. They’re pushing for a vote on a 30-day funding measure to allow for further negotiations. Sen. Patty Murray has criticized Republicans for excluding Democrats from negotiations.
Speaker Johnson called the bill “the best solution at the moment” and urged Senate Democrats to “do the right thing.” Republicans claim Democrats are running out the clock on funding, which is why they cancelled Wednesday’s votes to prevent Senate changes. They also oppose a short-term continuing resolution, calling it “punting the problem.”
The funding battle comes amid broader debates about government spending priorities. Critics say the cuts align with Project 2025’s blueprint to shrink federal agencies. Meanwhile, the House has left town after Tuesday’s vote, leaving the Senate little time to act before Friday’s deadline.
