In a significant stride toward governmental funding, House Republicans narrowly cleared a hurdle for a crucial three-bill spending package on Wednesday, despite facing internal dissent that nearly jeopardized the legislation. The package aims to fund multiple key federal departments and agencies through the end of September.

The procedural test vote, resulting in a tight 214-212 tally, was crucial for advancing funds for the Departments of Energy, Commerce, Interior, and Justice, along with water programs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and several federal scientific initiatives. This vote demonstrated a rare moment of unity among House Republicans, who have been deeply divided on several issues.

However, the unity was hard-won. Early in the day, tensions flared when a group of 12 GOP lawmakers withheld their votes, leading to intense negotiations on the House floor. Speaker Mike Johnson, alongside House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.), spearheaded a whip operation in real-time to secure the needed votes. The scene was tense, with key figures such as House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and House Rules Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-Va.), along with numerous staff, joining the fray.

The core of the revolt was led by Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Scott Perry (R-Pa.), who voiced significant concerns during a dramatic House Rules Committee hearing. The contention primarily revolved around what they and other conservatives labeled as “outlandish” earmarks. After an overnight recess, a compromise was reached Wednesday morning to eliminate what was considered the most controversial earmark, thereby appeasing some dissenters.

Under the leadership’s tactical plan, the House will proceed with two separate final votes on Thursday. This arrangement allows dissenters like Roy to reject the Commerce-Justice-Science bill due to ongoing frustrations with earmarks, while still supporting the other two appropriations bills.

Should these bills pass, they will be consolidated into a single package and sent to the Senate for further action, potentially as early as next week. This step is part of a broader rush by Congress to pass several spending bills before the looming January 30 deadline to prevent a government shutdown.

The developments in the House signal a critical moment as lawmakers work against the clock, balancing fiscal responsibilities with internal party dynamics and broader legislative goals.