Republicans propose spending bill to prevent government shutdown

Congressional Republicans plan to vote on a stopgap spending bill on Tuesday to prevent a government shutdown this weekend. The bill would fund federal agencies through September 30, but faces opposition from Democrats over spending cuts. The proposed measure increases defense spending while reducing domestic programs, which Democrats oppose. Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, aim to pass the bill without Democratic support, relying on backing from former President Trump. With a narrow majority in the House, Republicans can only afford one defection if all Democrats oppose the bill. In the Senate, at least seven Democrats would need to support it to overcome a filibuster.