House passes key rule in 217–215 vote, clearing path to end shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC: House Republicans on Tuesday, February 3, narrowly advanced a $1.2 trillion funding package, voting 217 to 215 to clear a key procedural step aimed at ending the partial government shutdown. The close vote reflected the tight margins facing Speaker Mike Johnson, who spent nearly an hour working the floor to secure enough support from within his conference.

Adoption of the rule governing debate now sets up a final vote on the package, expected later this afternoon around 1:40 p.m. If approved, the measure will be sent to Donald Trump’s desk to restore funding for multiple federal agencies that have been partially shuttered since Saturday.

One defection nearly sinks rule

Operating with the slimmest House majority in modern history, Republican leaders had little room for error. Rep Thomas Massie of Kentucky emerged as the lone Republican to vote against the rule, siding with a unified Democratic caucus.

Massie’s “no” vote kept the outcome uncertain for much of the 45-minute voting window. GOP leaders held the vote open while working to lock down remaining holdouts and prevent further defections.

The episode revealed internal divisions tied to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Leadership kept the funding bill separate from election provisions.

John Rose flips to yes

A key turning point involved Rep John Rose of Tennessee, who had earlier urged colleagues on social media to oppose the rule unless the SAVE Act was attached. Rose argued that Republicans should leverage the funding bill to push voter citizenship requirements.

After discussions with Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Rose switched from “no” to “yes,” providing a critical vote to reach the 217 needed for passage.

Rose was seen conferring with leadership alongside members of the conference’s conservative wing, including Reps. Byron Donalds, Victoria Spartz, and Troy Nehls. All ultimately voted to advance the rule.

Leadership scrambles for final votes

As the vote stretched past 30 minutes, the tally briefly stood at 214 yeas to 216 nays, leaving leadership short of the required majority. Johnson and Scalise moved across the chamber, speaking directly with several undecided members.

Donalds and Spartz were among the first to back the rule, narrowing the gap. Attention then shifted to Nehls and Rep. Andy Ogles. Nehls voted in favor, followed shortly by Ogles, securing the majority.

Floor debate begins after standoff

With the rule adopted, the House immediately entered one hour of debate on the funding package, split evenly between the parties. Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro are leading their respective sides. 

DeLauro criticized the Republican proposal and called for additional immigration-related changes. Despite opposition from leadership, several dozen Democrats are still expected to support the bill during final passage.

The package funds five agencies through the fiscal year and provides a two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security, setting up another round of negotiations over ICE and border enforcement in the coming days.