House Unveils Continuing Resolution (CR) to Fund Government Through FY2025
On Saturday, March 8th, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a "full-year" continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through September 30th, 2025, in an effort to prevent a government shutdown. The proposal maintains current spending levels while reallocating funds in alignment with President Donald Trump's policy priorities, including increased defense spending and enhanced border security.
President Trump has fully endorsed the measure, solidifying conservative support as House Republicans work against a March 14th deadline to secure passage and avoid a partial shutdown. The House is likely to vote on the CR on Tuesday, March 11th. Click here for House CR bill text.
Defense Spending Increases
The House’s CR includes an additional $6 billion for defense, directing funds toward shipbuilding and military pay raises. This excludes the $6.6 billion in emergency funds previously allocated for shipbuilding under the December stopgap measure.
Additionally, the Pentagon would receive $8 billion in flexible “transfer authority” to shift funds toward high-priority defense programs—though this remains significantly below the $30 billion originally requested by the Trump administration.
At the same time, the CR cuts non-defense discretionary spending by $13 billion. Factoring in these reductions, overall total discretionary spending would decrease by $7 billion compared to the previous fiscal year.
Impact on Non-Defense and Defense Earmarks
The House GOP's CR eliminates billions in non-defense earmarks, effectively removing previously approved community earmark allocations for domestic programs. Defense-related earmarks and special funds may also be impacted, depending on whether the CR ultimately reaffirms their funding. The CR in current form does not specify the continuation of previously enacted defense earmarks. As such, prior defense earmarks may not be carried over, and their funding could be subject to reallocation under the new CR.
State of Play in the House
House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-4) leads a narrow Republican majority (218-214), making party unity essential for the bill’s passage. Speaker Johnson aims to secure House approval on Tuesday, March 11th, in an effort to pressure Senate Democrats to approve the CR or risk a shutdown.
State of Play in the Senate
In the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, the CR requires at least seven Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster. Some Senate Democrats support the bill to prevent a shutdown, while others are seeking guarantees on spending provisions before committing their votes.
Likelihood of a Government Shutdown
Given bipartisan efforts to pass the CR and President Trump’s backing, the risk of a federal government shutdown is low. However, with the March 14th deadline approaching, negotiations remain fluid, and success hinges on House and Senate leadership securing the necessary votes in time.