House Republicans pass first government funding bill despite spending concerns from conservatives

House Republicans on Thursday approved the first in a series of government funding bills despite pressure from the conference's conservative wing to fight for spending reductions.

In a narrow, 219-211 vote, the lower chamber approved a bill to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs, its related agencies, and military construction, The Hill reported. Two Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the bill.

The vote represents a win for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who has pushed for the chamber to approve 12 bills in total and has had to deal with intense pushback from conservative lawmakers.

The Democratic-led Senate is drafting its own measures with different spending levels. The legislature has until Sept. 30 to agree on funding the government or risk a shutdown.

Earlier this year, McCarthy successfully negotiated a compromise debt limit deal with President Joe Biden, an agreement that generated frustrations among the California lawmaker's detractors in the Freedom Caucus.

Republicans hold a narrow majority in the chamber, leaving McCarthy with little room for dissent.

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