Summary
- Speaker
Mike Johnson says stopgap funding talks slowed by security funding. - Security
funds needed for federal officials after Charlie Kirk killing. - Negotiations
ongoing to include funds for judges and Congress. - Lawmakers
aim to finalize deals in the next 24 to 48 hours.
The failure of Republicans and Democrats in Congress to
reach a consensus on a continuing resolution, or CR, financing legislation
would result in a partial shutdown of the federal government starting on
October 1. Before departing for a one-week break later this week, lawmakers had
hoped to see the House and Senate take action.
“We don’t have that yet because we’re trying to
resolve this,”
Johnson told reporters, saying discussions include
adding funds to a CR.
“We have to protect our judges and those who
serve in those two branches, but also, of course, in Congress. And so we’re
looking at an amount that would be appropriate for a continuing
resolution.”
Johnson said he anticipated working with Democrats and his
own colleagues to find a solution over the next 24 to 48 hours.
“We’ll determine what everyone believes is
appropriate,”
the Louisiana Republican said.
While they attempt to reach
a consensus on a comprehensive 2026 appropriations plan, lawmakers have been
working on a CR that would maintain government agencies’ current funding levels
through November 20.
Top U.S. Senate Republican John Thune said the CR could
become a vehicle to pass additional security funding but that he wanted to keep
changes in funding levels to a minimum.
“I’d like to … if we can get it
from the House, get it done this week before we leave,”
the South Dakota
Republican said.
Following a string of assaults on federal and state leaders,
including President Donald Trump, Kirk’s shooting at an outdoor event on a
college campus in Utah last week sent shockwaves through the federal
government.
How much additional security funding is Johnson proposing
for federal officials?
The increase in funding for security also incorporates an
enhancement of the monitoring and maintenance allocation from $150 per month
per member to $5,000 per month per member for personal security services.
Members will still be able, with this funding, to upgrade the physical security
of their homes and can hire licensed personal security.
It has been projected to cost billions to have a full
security detail for all 435 House members and has been deemed infeasible. This
increased funding is a more immediate and workable solution.
This expanded funding is one part of a comprehensive effort
to improve security for lawmakers in light of rising political violence in the
U.S.
