CALIFORNIA — The House just passed GOP-backed legislation Tuesday to fund federal agencies through September, averting a government shutdown, which notably excludes funding for California wildfire relief, sparking outrage among Democratic lawmakers and state officials.
The measure now moves to the Senate and lawmakers will need to take action on the resolution by the end of the week to avoid a government shutdown.
Lawmakers noted that the bill would cut $13 billion in non-defense spending from 2024 levels while increasing defense spending by $6 billion — modest adjustments relative to the nearly $1.7 trillion in total discretionary spending. The bill does not affect the majority of government expenditures, including Social Security and Medicare, which operate on automatic funding and are not subject to regular congressional review.
The bill's passage has drawn ire from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that it not only grants the Trump administration greater discretion over spending decisions — potentially diverting funds from key programs that support vulnerable populations — but also excludes new allocations for wildfire disaster aid requested by California representatives.
“This is far from a clean funding bill, no matter how much Republicans try to spin it," said Rep. Linda Sànchez (D-Los Angeles) in a statement. “It slashes vital programs like health care, nutritional assistance, and cuts $23 billion from veterans’ benefits. And it offers no new aid for Los Angeles’ wildfire victims."
The news comes despite recent devastating wildfires in the state, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which killed at least 29 people and leveled entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles County.
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) criticized the measure, stating, "The House Republican spending bill completely shortchanges California and other disaster-stricken states like the Carolinas on disaster relief. We cannot leave communities in our states behind as they continue to rebuild and recover from devastating recent disasters."
Padilla further advocated for a temporary funding solution, suggesting, "The best path forward is for Congress to immediately pass a 30-day [continuing resolution] to keep the government open while we continue negotiations to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year in a way that properly funds disaster relief and doesn’t cede more power to Trump and Elon Musk."
Democrats have repeatedly sounded the alarm over major cuts made through the Department of Government Efficiency lately, run by Trump advisor Elon Musk. They say this bill would continue to vest power in Musk and weaken initiatives that serve communities.
. Just a guy in NY doesn’t understand what the people want I suppose.
look at this idiot. republicans are attacking democrats on their voting record. you're pretending that's off the table now?
i'll openly laugh in your face that i don't. go ahead; defend what's taking place on this video. let's hear it.
