January 1, GOP Faces Tough Fight Over Shutdown Showdown

Wyatt’s Take

• Republicans divided on how to prevent a government shutdown
• Some GOP lawmakers want full-year spending freeze, others warn military could suffer
• Time is tight as only 14 joint session days remain before deadline

Republican lawmakers are clashing over how to keep the government funded before the October 1 deadline. Congress only has 14 days with both chambers in session to strike a deal, as most lawmakers are away for the August recess.

Both the House and Senate have slim majorities, making agreement even harder. Some fiscal conservatives suggest freezing spending for a year using a full-year continuing resolution, but mainstream Republicans and defense hawks warn this could hurt military funding.

“A funding freeze in a setting of 2.7% inflation actually is a real cut in the size of the scope of government,” said Rep. Andy Harris.

Rep. Eric Burlison said he’s open to a full-year freeze, but admits, “a CR is kind of a surrender.” Other members, like Rep. Eli Crane, are hesitant about continuing resolutions but have not ruled anything out.

One House Republican warned that a full-year freeze “destroys our defense.” Many in the party prefer passing specific spending bills, though it hasn’t been accomplished in years.

With time running out, some Republicans believe a short-term spending extension is likely. Rep. Lloyd Smucker noted, “if we’re doing a CR that keeps funding levels close to where they are now, a lot of members of the conference would support that.” Some committee members agree, saying a shutdown would be risky under Republican control.

Still, a group of conservatives is promising to oppose any stopgap bill. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene declared, “I’m not voting for a September 30th CR. That is totally unacceptable.” Rep. Andy Biggs questioned, “Why would we want to do the Biden policies and budget?”

Senate Republicans are also split, with many against a one-year freeze. Sen. Mike Rounds argued, “Congress needs to actually take the responsibility for looking at spending. I don’t think having a CR, which is basically a continuation of a Biden era, is appropriate.” Sen. Lisa Murkowski believes the old appropriations process can still work if lawmakers stick to it.

So far, the Senate Appropriations Committee has finished six funding bills, and the House has passed two of the twelve needed, though those two account for about half of all discretionary spending.

Middle America is watching how lawmakers in Washington put their priorities. Keeping spending in check while making sure vital services like defense stay strong is what folks back home expect their elected leaders to deliver.

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Wyatt Matters

Everyday families rely on leaders to keep the government accountable and responsible with their money. Making the tough choices to protect American strength while watching every dollar is the common sense approach our region demands.