House leaders are considering pushing back the government funding deadline to November to avoid a shutdown, with Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries having private discussions on the matter. While the exact origins of the proposal remain unclear, the talks come amid heightened concerns over President Trump’s cuts to foreign aid, which could exacerbate a potential partisan clash over funding. Steve Scalise and other top lawmakers are seeking a bipartisan deal, emphasizing the need for cooperation to prevent a government shutdown.
The discussions are part of an ongoing effort to prevent a government shutdown that looms as a deadline approaches in October. Speaker Johnson and House Minority Leader Jeffries have been in private talks, with some sources suggesting Johnson may be the one who first proposed the idea of a stopgap funding extension. However, other reports indicate that Jeffries may have proposed the plan during their conversation. This ambiguity has led to some tension among lawmakers, particularly as many are loath to fund the government with another continuing resolution.
President Trump’s recent unilateral cancellation of nearly $5 billion in foreign aid has added to the pressure on lawmakers to find a solution. As the potential for a shutdown looms, Republicans and Democrats are trying to find common ground. Steve Scalise and other leaders are looking to negotiate a bipartisan deal that could include funding for certain government departments. However, the process is complicated by the fact that Democrats are cautious about cutting a deal without concrete results.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has sent a letter to his Democratic colleagues urging them to work with Republicans to avoid a shutdown. The message emphasizes the need for cooperation between the two parties to ensure that the government remains operational. Jeffries has also made it clear that he is not willing to support partisan funding legislation, and he has warned fellow Democrats about the risks of a shutdown. This highlights the tension between the two parties as they navigate the complex issue of government funding.