House GOP passes stopgap funding bill for government

House Republicans approved a stopgap bill to fund the federal government through September 30, aiming to prevent a shutdown. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it needs Democratic support to pass. The legislation increases defense spending by $6 billion while cutting nondefense spending by $13 billion. It includes funding for veterans' health care and raises pay for junior enlisted troops, but Democrats criticize it for lacking specific funding directives. Democrats argue the bill creates "slush funds" for the Trump administration and cuts essential programs, including disaster relief and rural broadband. They warn it could lead to significant budget cuts for Washington D.C. and other critical services.