NEW GOVERNMENT FUNDING PLAN COULD ELIMINATE TOXIC EXPOSURES FUND FOR VETERANS
With a government shutdown looming, House Republicans have unveiled a six-month funding plan that boosts defense spending while cutting non-defense programs, known as the Toxic Exposures Fund. President Trump backed the proposal, leading to fierce Democratic opposition; however, the bill would keep the government funded through September but falls below spending levels set in last year’s bipartisan deal.
Even though defense would receive an additional $6 billion, troops would get a raise, and Veterans would receive support, the $13 billion cuts to non-defense spending, including the IRS, is drawing concerns. Republicans say they worked closely with the White House, and even conservatives who typically oppose stopgap measures seem open to the plan. However, Democrats call it a power grab.
What Is the Toxic Exposures Fund?
House Republicans unveiled a six-month stopgap funding plan that boosts defense spending while cutting non-defense programs. Known as the Toxic Exposures Fund, GOP lawmakers are rallying support for the Trump-backed measure.
However, it should be no surprise that the Democrats aren’t as thrilled with the idea.
The Toxic Exposures Fund, which keeps the government funded through September 2025, falls below spending levels agreed to in last year’s bipartisan deal.
If passed, the bill will increase defense funding by $6 billion over FY 24 but remains below prior 2025 agreements.
The plan also grants the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) flexibility to start new programs and shift funds, addressing concerns from pro-defense about the limitations of a short-term funding patch.
What Does the Legislation Fund?
The legislation funds pay raises for junior enlisted troops and increases support for Veterans’ healthcare, housing, and WIC.
But to keep things in perspective, not everything is getting a boost. There’s a $13 billion decrease for non-defense spending, including cuts to the IRS.
House GOP leaders say they worked closely with the White House, and conservatives appear open to the Trump-backed plan despite past opposition to stopgap measures.
“The House and Senate have put together, under the circumstances, a very good funding Bill (‘CR’)! All Republicans should vote (Please!) YES next week,” wrote President Trump on Truth Social.
Democratic Opposition
Democrats are pushing back hard against the Republican-led funding strategy, calling it a blatant power grab for the White House.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) accused Elon Musk and President Trump of using the measure to “steal from the American people,” highlighting cuts to Veterans’ toxic exposure care.
With government programs running on temporary funding since October, Democrats worry that extending a stopgap budget could hurt defense programs, healthcare costs, and food assistance—all of which are vital for military families.
Meanwhile, Republicans blame Democrats for demanding stricter spending controls, calling it a nonstarter.
However, there’s politics as play, and even with a razor-thin majority, House Republicans may struggle to pass the bill without Democratic support.
Speaker Mike Johnson remains optimistic, but many conservatives still have reservations, raising questions about whether GOP leadership can push the Toxic Exposures Fund through.
House Republicans are Expected to Take Swift Action
Some conservative politicians warned they might withdraw support for the stopgap plan if costs are too high, demanding offsets for any add-ons, including defense.
Meanwhile, those calling for a stronger national defense worry the plan could weaken military programs.
“The cost of deterrence is far less than the cost of war,” former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell wrote in The Washington Post, criticizing Congress for failing to invest in defense while warning about threats like China.
House Republicans plan to move quickly, with a floor vote expected as soon as Tuesday, March 11, which should see the Toxic Exposures Fund come to life.
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