WASHINGTON

US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday said that Republicans can pass a spending bill without the Democrats.

"We'll have the votes. We're going to pass the CR (continuing resolution), we can do it on our own," Johnson told reporters.

His remarks came ahead of a House of Representatives vote on the Republicans' six-month spending legislation backed by President Donald Trump to fund the federal government past Friday's midnight deadline to Sept. 30 to avert a shutdown.

The bill aims to increase defense spending by $6 billion and decrease domestic spending by $13 billion. It also includes additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding for deportations.

"What I'm saying is Democrats ought to do the responsible thing, follow their own advice in every previous scenario and keep the government open. It's their choice.

"I wish it could be a unanimous vote in the House Chamber today. That would be a great thing for America, but they're not going to do it," Johnson added.

Several Democrats said that they will not support the 99-page bill, which "dramatically" cuts health care, nutritional assistance for children and families, and veterans benefits.

"House Democrats will not be complicit in the Republican effort to hurt the American people," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, told reporters Monday.

Johnson needs all Republicans to vote yes on the bill. However, some Republicans, including Tim Burchett, said they were "undecided."

If the measure squeaks through the House, however, its fate in the Senate remains unclear since at least seven Democrats are needed to join Republicans in supporting the measure to clear the 60-vote threshold and send the bill to Trump’s desk.

"But it looks like they're going to try to shut down the government," Johnson said.

Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, attended a closed-door meeting with the Republican caucus early Tuesday.