• Speaker Mike Johnson announced “Plan C” to prevent a government shutdown, with a House vote expected before the midnight deadline, though details remain unclear.
• Discussions suggest a potential short-term continuing resolution (CR) to extend funding for 2-3 weeks, but internal Republican divisions and Democratic scrutiny complicate progress.
• President Trump’s demand to tie a debt ceiling increase to any funding plan adds further complexity, following the failure of “Plan B” in the House.

In a last-minute effort to avert a government shutdown, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced on Friday morning that the House will vote on a new plan, dubbed “Plan C,” aiming to keep the government funded before the deadline at midnight.

Speaker Johnson Addresses Legislative Plan

Speaker Johnson remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the plan but confirmed that it involves moving forward with a vote expected later in the day. The urgency of passing new legislation comes as current government funding is set to expire, putting pressure on lawmakers to act swiftly.

Potential Short-Term Solution to Prevent Shutdown

Adding to the sense of urgency, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) hinted on CNBC that a temporary solution might be in the works to prevent a shutdown, particularly given the approaching holiday season. Mullin suggested that discussions have been leaning towards a short-term continuing resolution (CR), possibly extending funding for two to three weeks, although he stopped short of confirming this as the definitive path forward.

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The feasibility of passing such a stopgap measure remains uncertain, with internal divisions among Republicans and cautious scrutiny from Democrats. Historically, some Republicans have opposed continuing resolutions, while Democrats assess proposals on an individual basis—factors complicating efforts to reach consensus as the deadline looms.

Debt Ceiling Demand Adds Complexity to Negotiations

Further complicating matters is President Trump’s demand for an increase in the debt ceiling to be included in any CR, adding another layer of complexity to negotiations. This demand follows Thursday’s failure in the House to pass “Plan B,” which proposed combining government funding with disaster aid and a suspension of the debt limit—endorsed by Trump but ultimately rejected.

The rejection marked a significant setback for both Johnson and Trump, who had pushed hard for support of their combined proposal. Earlier attempts at negotiation had produced an expansive bill including healthcare deals and pay raises for Congress members but faced opposition from within their own party and public figures like Elon Musk.

The Focus Shifts to Plan C

With Plan B off the table and time running out before funding expires, all eyes are now on Plan C’s potential to bridge divides within Congress and satisfy demands from both sides of the aisle as well as from President Trump.

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Amidst these tensions, key political figures convened early Friday morning in Johnson’s office for discussions. Attendees included influential members of the Freedom Caucus and representatives from Trump’s administration, signaling high-level engagement in resolving the funding crisis.

As negotiations continue against this backdrop of division and urgency, leaders from both parties face immense pressure not only to prevent a shutdown but also navigate complex demands regarding debt ceiling increases—a challenge underscored by stark opposition across political lines.

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