Funding bill passes House, future uncertain in Senate

Only one Republican in the House voted to support the bill, which passed by a nine-vote margin.

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a short-term funding bill Thursday, one day before the scheduled partial government shutdown.

The House voted 221-212 to approve, with only one Republican, Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, supporting the resolution.

The Senate must vote on the bill before midnight Friday to avoid the shutdown. The federal government will be funded through Feb. 18 under the bill.

The bill's fate remains uncertain, however, as some GOP senators are threatening to delay a vote over President Joe Biden's vaccine mandates, including those on federal employees and private businesses.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), gave an impassioned speech on the Senate floor Thursday. He said millions of workers across the country are "at risk because of this mandate," and he believes it will only serve to exacerbate the supply chain crisis.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-K.Y.) said Tuesday the government shutdown will not happen. "I think we'll get there, and certainly nobody should be concerned about a government shutdown," he said.

Congress' next urgent deadline will be to raise the debt ceiling by Dec. 15.