House Republicans unveil bill to avert partial government shutdown, but Senate Democrats say it's nonstarter

House Republicans on Friday unveiled legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month and fund the government until March 28, when a new president and Congress would be able to decide agency spending and priorities for the 2025 fiscal year.

However, Republicans added a contentious immigration issue to the short-term spending bill, requiring states to obtain proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when people register to vote. Inclusion of the citizenship requirement is a nonstarter in the Senate, complicating prospects for the spending bill's passage.

At least one Republican, conservative Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana, indicated he opposed the measure.  And the bill is not supported by House Democrats, who favor a shorter-term bill.