House Debates Funding Bill Ahead of Procedural Vote
House Floor Activity
The House of Representatives commenced a debate today on the procedural rules that will guide the discussion and voting on a Senate-passed funding bill aimed at ending the government shutdown. This debate is expected to last approximately start hour, after which the House will conduct a procedural vote to adopt the rules. Successfully adopting these rules will set the stage for further debate and a subsequent vote on the funding bill itself, anticipated to occur later this evening around 7 p.m.
Adelita Grijalva Sworn In
Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona was officially sworn in today, nearly seven weeks after winning a special election to succeed her late father, former Rep. Raúl Grijalva. The oath of offstart was administered by House Speaker Mike Johnson, marking her entry into the House amid applause from her Democratic colleagues. Grijalva took the opportunity to criticize Johnson for delaying her swearing-in, suggesting that the delay has left over 800,000 Arizonans without necessary servstarts.
Following her swearing-in ceremony, Grijalva also expressed her intent to sign a discharge petition related to the Epstein case, emphasizing the urgency of juststart in her remarks to the chamber.
Controversial Provisions in the Funding Bill
In conjunction with the ongoing discussions, Speaker Johnson announced that House Republicans plan to introduce legislation aimed at repealing a provision in the Senate-passed funding bill. This provision grants senators the ability to sue for damages if their data is seized or subpoenaed by law enforcement without notification, an issue that has stirred significant contention among lawmakers.
While some Republicans expressed concern over the bill’s implications, they acknowledged that any amendments could delay the legislative process, further complicating efforts to end the shutdown.
Potential Impact on THC Hemp Products
The Senate compromise to resolve the shutdown includes controversial stipulations regarding THC products. Should the funding bill pass, the legal limit for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in hemp products would drop to a mere 0.4 milligrams per container, significantly affecting businesses relying on these products. The hemp industry has criticized this measure, warning of severe repercussions that could decimate the market.
Democratic Push for Health Care Tax Credit Extension
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has filed a discharge petition aimed at extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, which are set to expire soon. This initiative seeks to gather support across party lines, requiring at least four Republican votes for a successful floor vote.
Jeffries urged Republicans to collaborate on this pressing issue, articulating the necessity of extending health insurance tax credits for millions of Americans facing increased premiums and healthcare costs.
Trump’s Remarks on the Shutdown
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the discussions via social media, asserting that Republicans should prioritize efforts to reopen the government over investigations tied to the Epstein case. His statements reflect a broader narrative within the Republican party aimed at deflecting attention from the shutdown.
Final Remarks from House Leadership
House leadership, including Majority Leader Steve Scalise, have expressed optimism regarding the passage of the funding bill, positioning it as a resolution to the prolonged government shutdown. As the House prepares for the critical vote this evening, the outcome will dictate the direction of federal operations moving forward.
Johnson has reiterated his stance that the responsibility for the shutdown rests with Democrats, and with a resolution potentially within reach, the mood among Republicans remains hopeful.
As legislative activities unfold, all eyes will be on the House floor as members prepare to vote on measures that carry significant implications for both governmental operations and public servstarts.