Quick Hit: 

The House of Representatives has passed a short-term funding bill to prevent a partial government shutdown, pushing the funding deadlines to March 8 and March 22. The bill, which passed with a 320-99 vote, allows lawmakers more time to resolve disagreements on spending bills.

Key Details: 

• The legislation was approved one day before the funding deadline, averting a potential government shutdown.
• While an agreement has been reached on six appropriations bills due next week, disagreements remain on the remaining half-dozen measures.
• The bill was passed with more support from Democrats than Republicans, with only 113 Republicans voting for the bill compared to 207 Democrats.

Diving Deeper: 

The short-term funding bill provides a temporary solution to the looming government shutdown, giving lawmakers more time to negotiate on the remaining appropriations bills. These bills include controversial legislation funding agencies such as the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security. The passing of the bill is a small victory for Speaker Mike Johnson, who has been working to avoid a shutdown that would likely be blamed on the House Republicans.

However, the bill's passage has not been without opposition. Many conservative Republicans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the short-term spending bills and Johnson's tendency to pass continuing resolutions with Democratic support. Despite this, Johnson's position appears secure for now, with conservatives voicing opposition but not threatening retribution.

Under the agreement reached this week, the six appropriations bills that fund various departments and agencies are due on March 8. The remaining six measures, which include funding for the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, and Health and Human Services, are due on March 22. While an agreement has been reached on the first set of bills, senior appropriators have indicated that there may still be unresolved issues to address before the text is released.