House passes stopgap funding bill that could avert shutdown

What we’re watching: The Republican’s vaccine mandate funding demands — spearheaded by Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) — could force a brief government shutdown over the weekend. The delay would only be temporary and unlikely to have a great effect on agencies and federal workers.

• The Republicans are asking for simple majority vote threshold for the amendment, which means it would need 51 votes to pass.

What’s next: The short-term spending bill is another temporary measure to hold Congress over while Democrats try to pass a larger government spending bill to fund Biden’s agenda.

What they’re saying: "While I wish it were earlier, this agreement allows the appropriations process to move forward toward a final funding agreement which addresses the needs of the American people.” House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) said in a statement Thursday.

• “I’m pleased that we have finally reached an agreement on the continuing resolution,” Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) said. “Now we must get serious about completing FY22 bills.”