House passes spending bill to fund IRS, other agencies through Sept. 30

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a $24 billion spending bill that funds the IRS and other agencies affected by the partial government shutdown through Sept. 30, as Democrats look to flex their new majority to put pressure on congressional Republicans amid the ongoing standoff.

The House voted 240-188 to pass the financial services and general government funding bill.

The vote took place shortly after President Trump walked out of shutdown negotiations with Democratic leaders, saying Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated that Democrats wouldn’t agree to fund a U.S.-Mexico border wall even if the president agrees to open the government.

“At the end of the day, the president’s beloved border wall is the issue solely responsible for this irresponsible shutdown, and it is an absolute disgrace and a disservice to all Americans to allow this broken campaign promise to hold all of the key funding bills hostage,” said Rep. Mike Quigley, Illinois Democrat.

Despite a veto threat from the White House, Democrats are figuring that passing individual bills to fund popular programs affected by the shutdown gives them a chance to pick off some GOP support and divide Republicans.