Chalk up another victory for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and his razor-thin GOP majority as the continuing resolution (CR) regarding the budget squeaked by in a 217-213 vote late Tuesday afternoon. (As anticipated, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) was a "no" vote; Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) was the lone "yes" for the Democrats.)

There was no question heading into the vote that it was going to be tight. House Democrats had vowed to oppose the measure, even though it was a "clean bill" and slim, at only 99 pages. Their narrative regarding the CR is that it contains "devastating cuts" to sacred cow entitlement programs (which, of course, it does not).  

Jeffries on CR: This partisan and reckless Republican spending bill fails to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, which we know are on the Republican chopping block. It represents devastating cuts and an attack on seniors, families and veterans. We cannot support this bill.

— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) Mar 10, 2025

Democrats Are Again Lying About Supposed Medicare/Medicaid Cuts in the Budget CR

President Trump threw his full support behind the CR, as did Vice President Vance, who met with the House GOP conference Tuesday morning to further advocate for its passage. 

This bill renews all Biden-era funding numbers. It also cuts the budget for Washington but allows the Pentagon to begin new programs and increases military pay. 

It is all about the math. The margin could be tight. That is why Vice President JD Vance is on Capitol Hill meeting with House Republicans behind closed doors at 9 a.m. ET.

Republicans Release Text of House CR Spending Bill, As Trump Makes Urgent Request to 'Remain United'

United Front: Charlie Kirk Endorses Trump Budget Strategy

But while the Democrats could present a roadblock in the Senate via the filibuster, in the House, the question came down to how many Republicans might balk at the CR, given that it essentially maintains the status quo.

A frequent no-vote on such measures, Massie made very clear that he would not support the CR, which prompted the president to call for him to be primaried. Following Vance's meeting with the GOP conference Tuesday morning, several Republicans voiced their tepid support for the measure while others continued to keep their cards close to the vest. 

The general consensus among those reluctantly giving their support to the CR was that they want to afford President Trump the chance to implement his agenda. The expectation is that the much anticipated DOGE-related cuts will be easier to enact via reconciliation. 

Pass the House's Continuing Resolution—Then Make the Real Cuts Count in Reconciliation

GOP MO Rep Burlison says he’s for the CR “barely.” Says Trump is the only reason he will support it

— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) Mar 10, 2025

GOP TX Rep Roger Williams: My history on voting for CR's is pretty checkered. But there's a there's. A time for a dog in the sunshine all the time. This is the moment to turn the country around. This is the apparatus to get it done.

— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) Mar 10, 2025

With its passage in the House, this now sets up a showdown in the Senate, as even if all 53 Republicans vote in favor of the CR, they'll still need seven Democrat votes to get past the filibuster. 

As for what will happen in the face of the Friday night funding deadline, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) observed: "I think the interesting thing will be to see if Democrats filibuster into a shutdown. It is on them if this happens."

Editor's Note: This article was updated post-publication to add information regarding the members who did not vote party-line.

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