House advances four spending bills in win for McCarthy

House Republicans advanced four spending bills on Tuesday evening in near-unanimous votes, marking a win for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during what is expected to still be a bitter struggle to avert a government shutdown.

The lower chamber allowed all four measures to proceed to debate, though that does not guarantee eventual passage on any. Some Republicans already have expressed opposition to components of each measure and leadership plans to win over detractors by permitting hundreds of amendment votes, Politico reported.

Collectively, the four bills would fund the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Defense, and Agriculture.

The move comes as the Senate passed a short-term spending package to fund the government until Nov. 17, which includes billions in funding for Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. Additional funds for Kyiv's war against Russia have been a sticking point among House conservatives, who have vowed to oppose additional spending on the matter.

Ukraine funding is a particular issue in the State bill, with a number of lawmakers reportedly concerned it may permit Washington to send more funds to Kyiv. 

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.