House passes funding bill; Orange County lawmakers divided

The House approved a six-month stopgap funding bill on March 11 to prevent a federal government shutdown. The bill passed mostly along party lines, with nearly all Republicans supporting it and one Democrat voting in favor. The bill cuts $13 billion from non-defense discretionary programs while increasing defense spending. It will keep the government funded until September 30, but it needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. Orange County lawmakers expressed differing views. Democrats criticized the cuts to key programs, while Republicans claimed the bill protects existing funding for community projects. The Senate must act by Friday to avoid a shutdown.