House advances government funding bills as Johnson appeases GOP factions

The House is one step closer to passing the final slate of appropriations bills after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) successfully staved off rebellions from his center and right flanks, setting up the legislation for a final vote later this afternoon. 

The chamber cleared a key hurdle on Thursday when House Republicans voted to bring four appropriations bills to the floor for debate, setting up their passage later in the day. The 214-213 margin showed the difficulty of governing with a slim majority where any one ideological caucus has the power to sink a bill.

Johnson has been struggling with GOP attendance, and a handful of Republicans, such as Reps. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY), were absent for the vote. A mix of Republicans —