To become law, the bill will need to clear the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold, meaning at least seven Democrats will need to support the plan if all Republicans favor it.
Republican representatives managed to narrowly pass a modified continuing resolution through the House on Tuesday, putting focus on the Senate as both sides of the aisle will have to weigh how the public would perceive a shutdown and who will face the blame.
The Tuesday afternoon vote saw 217 lawmakers vote in favor and 213 oppose the continuing resolution. Though it would keep most funding at current levels, it increased defense spending by $6 billion, added the same sum for veterans’ health care, gave $10 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and marginally lowered non-defense spending.
To become law, the bill will need to clear the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold, meaning at least seven Democrats will need to support the plan if all Republicans favor it. But. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is a hard “no,” putting the threshold for passage at eight Democrats. That’s where the blame game comes in. Typically, Republicans have been wary of causing a shutdown due to fears of the public blaming them.
Fear of blame drives Republican unity
Some polling data has suggested that Republicans’ fears of being blamed for a shutdown are well-founded. Fifty-five percent of registered voters expressed support for the proposal, including 79% of Republicans, a Napolitan News Survey conducted Monday revealed. Just 29% opposed the plan while 17% were unsure.