Republicans advance funding bill to avoid shutdown struggles

The U.S. House passed a short-term funding bill to prevent a partial government shutdown, needing bipartisan support in the Senate. The bill passed with a narrow 217-213 vote and requires at least eight Democratic votes to reach President Trump. The legislation proposes $13 billion in cuts to non-defense spending and a $6 billion increase in defense spending. Democrats express concerns over the bill's flexibility, fearing it could allow the Trump administration to redirect funds away from key programs. Democrats have introduced an alternative funding bill to extend government operations through April 11. Both parties are preparing to assign blame if the funding measure fails, with potential impacts on the District of Columbia's budget and services.