House Republicans Pass CR to Fund Government Through 2025 Amid Democratic Opposition, Focusing on Veterans' Benefits and Social Programs

House Republicans have passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through September 30, 2025, with a vote of 217-213. The bill, which freezes spending at FY24 levels for 6 months with zero earmarks, aims to prevent a government shutdown and advance President Donald Trump's America First agenda. Key aspects of the CR include maintaining funding for veterans' healthcare and benefits, supporting federal wildland firefighters, and ensuring the continuation of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid services. It also provides a historic pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, the largest in over 40 years, and increases funding for air traffic control priorities over FY24. Democrats have criticized the bill, labeling it as a 'blank check' for Trump and Elon Musk, alleging it allows them to redirect funds and cut essential services without congressional oversight. They argue that the CR slashes nearly $23 billion in veterans' benefits, reduces funding for healthcare and affordable housing, and fails to protect programs like Social Security and Medicaid from potential cuts. Democrats have vowed to vote against the bill, with 212 House Democrats opposing it, emphasizing their readiness to support a bipartisan solution that would better serve the American people. Republicans, on the other hand, have defended the CR, stating it is necessary to keep the government operational and to continue efforts to cut waste, fraud, and abuse, supported by 77 million Americans in the last election. They assert that the bill supports critical areas such as border security, national defense, and the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The CR also fully funds the WIC program with a more than $500M increase for a total of $7.6B and secures funding for law enforcement, including COPS grants. Several Republican representatives have expressed their support for the CR, highlighting its role in maintaining government services without increasing taxpayer spending.