US President Donald Trump speaks during an address to a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in …….read more
On March 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered an address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. His speech came at a critical moment as Republicans in control of the House of Representatives introduced a six-month stopgap funding bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown. The bill, which is set for a vote on Tuesday, March 7, is designed to extend government funding through the end of the 2025 fiscal year, maintaining most of the spending levels passed during the previous administration.
The stopgap bill, a type of continuing resolution, essentially maintains funding levels from the previous year and is a necessary measure to avert a shutdown. House Republican leadership has been working closely with the White House on the proposal, which was unveiled on Saturday, March 4. The bill is 99 pages long, and its passage is crucial to avoid a government closure on March 14.
The continuing resolution reflects the priorities of the current Republican-led Congress, with President Trump signaling his support for the proposal. He encouraged Republicans to vote in favor of the bill, posting on social media, “All Republicans should vote (Please!) YES next week.” Trump emphasized that this temporary funding measure would allow Republicans to focus on extending the 2017 tax cuts he implemented during his first term in office. He assured supporters that great things were coming for the country and asked for patience, promising that efforts to strengthen the nation’s financial standing would continue once the stopgap measure passed.
Trump’s endorsement of the funding bill has helped win over several hardline Republicans who had previously opposed similar stopgap measures. This support is seen as critical, especially given the slim Republican majority in the House, which stands at just 218-214. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a key figure in the GOP’s strategy, has worked to ensure that the bill garners enough votes for passage. Hardline members of the party had expressed resistance to passing such funding bills in the past, but Trump’s backing has shifted the tide in favor of this approach.
The stopgap funding bill comes at a time when lawmakers are grappling with tight deadlines and budgetary concerns. A government shutdown would have significant consequences, including disrupting federal services and delaying government operations. As the clock ticks down toward the March 14 deadline, the focus is now on ensuring that the stopgap bill passes and the government remains funded.
The upcoming vote on the funding package will be a key moment for the Republican leadership in the House. If the bill passes, it will allow Republicans to continue pushing their legislative priorities, including tax reform, without the immediate threat of a shutdown. However, the bill’s success hinges on solid Republican unity, and any significant opposition could undermine efforts to keep the government running
smoothly.
