GOP Looks to Push through Continuing Resolution to Avoid Shutdown
Washington, D.C.’s funding has been restored in a new draft of Congress’s continuing resolution legislation, averting the potential of millions in lost money.
House Republicans are trying to keep the government open through Nov. 21 and avoid a shutdown. While the current resolution does not hold any policy priorities favorable to either side, GOP House members said it does restore funding granted by the 2025 budget.
The past CR forced D.C. to rely on 2024 spending levels, which were millions below 2025 funds. While forecasts pointed to cuts near $1 billion, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office said the cuts ended up being around $410 million.
Rare win for DC in Congress today. Draft of the CR was released and it includes provision allowing DC to spend its local budget. Last CR did not include this important provision resulting in @MayorBowser and @councilofdc being forced to cut $400 million from its current budget. pic.twitter.com/SbnsG4M5jc
— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) September 16, 2025
The mayor’s office had been waiting for Congress to unfreeze the city’s funds to avoid cuts to city services. Bowser had instated hiring freezes, reduced non-personnel services, and pushed off or shifted costs down the line.
The CR, if passed, allows D.C. to maintain its 2026 budget plan.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has accused Democrats of “openly pining for a government shutdown.”
“We need responsible options here to keep the government open while all this work continues, and Republicans are committed to making that happen,” Johnson told reporters Tuesday. “Predictably and unfortunately, there are some Democrats who are openly pining for a government shutdown.”