Republicans push stopgap bill without Democratic support

Republican lawmakers are working to pass a stopgap bill to fund the government before the Friday deadline. The bill, which increases military spending and cuts nondefense funds, was crafted without Democratic input and needs support from House Republicans to pass. Speaker Mike Johnson plans a House vote on the bill, relying solely on Republican support. He can only afford one defection, but has already lost Rep. Thomas Massie’s vote. Some House Democrats may support the bill, but party leaders oppose it. If the bill passes the House, Senate Democrats will need to help meet the 60-vote threshold. Some Republicans, like Sen. Rand Paul, oppose it. Democrats are under pressure to resist cuts while balancing the risks of a government shutdown.