Israel issues rare warning to Lebanese civilians and Johnson's new strategy to avert a shutdown: Morning Rundown
NBCSep 22
US House Agrees on Temporary Government Funding Bill
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Above: The US House of Representatives on Oct. 4, 2023. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Leaders in the Republican-majority US House on Sunday announced a bipartisan deal to fund the government through Dec. 20, avoiding a shutdown that was scheduled to begin Sept. 30.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) revealed the plan Sunday to his colleagues in a letter. The House is expected to vote on it Wednesday.
The Spin
Republican narrative
It's irresponsible — and dangerous — to ever shut down the government. It's even more ill-advised prior to an election when the politics could harm who gets blamed. In this case, Republicans will be cast as the villains. If anything, Republicans should support pushing this issue into next year, so the next presidential administration can decide how to fund the government.
Conservative narrative
Johnson has surrendered his conservative values to the Democrats and will now allow them to go ahead with their plot to unleash thousands of illegal voters in the upcoming election. It's common sense to ensure only American citizens can vote, but Democrats are willing to let the government shut down rather than implement this necessary security provision that was in the previous spending bill.
Democratic narrative
It's great to see mainstream Republicans have come to their senses and be willing to go forward with a bill to fund the government without the SAVE Act. That act is just another Trump scare tactic, as the former president has offered a baseless claim to fire up his base and possibly suppress the votes of those who oppose him. Hopefully, Republicans will continue to stand up to Trump.
