House likely to disregard 72-hour voting rule amid looming government shutdown
House GOP Leaders Set to Bend the Rules Amid Impending Government Shutdown
House Republican leaders are on the brink of making a crucial decision to bypass a pivotal voting rule that mandates lawmakers to unveil legislative text a minimum of 72 hours before casting their votes. This move comes as Congress scrambles to avert a potential government shutdown over the weekend.
The House is gearing up for a final vote on its spending bill scheduled for Friday, a mere day after legislators revealed the comprehensive “minibus” amalgamating the last six appropriations bills for the fiscal year 2024. While the specific time for the House vote remains uncertain, indications point to a morning session that skirts around the 72-hour rule instituted by Republicans upon assuming control of the lower chamber last year.
Swift Action Required
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s spokespersons have indicated the likely waiver of the voting rule as a critical step to navigate the essential spending legislation through both congressional chambers before the imminent expiration of federal funding at midnight on Friday.
“House Republicans stand by the 72-hour principle for members, even if not obligatory, and have exerted tremendous effort to afford members ample time,” shared a spokesperson with the Washington Examiner. “Regrettably, due to the delayed White House engagement in substantial negotiations on a comprehensive DHS bill, Congress is compelled to act swiftly to avert a funding gap.”
The Washington Examiner has reached out to the White House for input on the matter.
The $1.2 trillion spending bill’s text was made public shortly before 3 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday by appropriators. If the House proceeds with the bill on Friday morning, lawmakers will have more than 24 hours to delve into the 1,012-page document, a point of contention for several Republicans.
“The bill is put up for a vote under suspension of the rules, which is a disgrace,” expressed Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s War Room on Thursday. “It’s presented with less than 24 hours for review, which is unacceptable.”
**For More Information: [Read the full article on the Washington Examiner.](#)**
The final spending package encompasses six appropriations bills, encompassing around 70% of the federal government. The funding encompasses critical areas such as the Pentagon, State Department, Labor Department, Health and Human Services Department, Department of Homeland Security, and foreign operations.
If lawmakers fail to usher the bill through the necessary legislative steps and onto President Joe Biden’s desk before midnight on Friday, the government faces the prospect of a partial shutdown.
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