Will House Democrats support GOP in spending deal?
House GOP Leaders Scramble to Avoid Government Shutdown as Democrats Lurk in the Shadows
As House GOP leaders frantically work to finalize a spending agreement, Democrats are quietly waiting in the wings, ready to extend a helping hand across the aisle to avert a government shutdown.
Republican members of the Problem Solvers Caucus are set to meet with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on Wednesday to discuss a potential bipartisan deal on government spending, according to Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). This conversation comes as spending bills in the House have hit a roadblock due to disagreements within the GOP conference, just nine days before a possible government shutdown.
No Clear Path to Avoid Shutdown as Internal Tensions Spill into the Public
“I’m a voice that you got to start working across the aisle,” Bacon emphasized. “You got to anyway because you gotta get the Senate on board.”
The House rejected a vote to begin debate on the annual defense appropriations bill on Tuesday, as five Republicans joined all Democrats in sinking the measure. The final vote fell short of the majority threshold needed to advance the legislation. The dissenting Republicans were Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Ken Buck (R-CO), and Matt Rosendale (R-MT).
Meanwhile, GOP leaders are also striving to pass a stopgap spending measure that would prevent a government shutdown before the September 30 deadline, providing lawmakers with an additional 31 days to reach a final spending agreement. However, this proposal is facing resistance from hard-line conservatives, leading some moderate Republicans to explore alternative options.
Republicans and Democrats within the Problem Solvers Caucus have been engaged in “ongoing conversations” about a potential bipartisan deal to temporarily fund the government until a budget is finalized, confirmed Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) to the Washington Examiner. The exact details of such a deal are yet to be determined, but lawmakers involved in the discussions suggest that key measures like border security and disaster funding could be included.
However, Republicans have made it clear that any such deal would only serve as a temporary solution, as they emphasize their desire to pass all 12 appropriations bills individually as part of the budgetary process.
Some Democrats have indicated their willingness to negotiate with their GOP colleagues, but only if a final deal maintains current government spending levels and includes provisions on Ukraine, disaster funding, and border security, according to Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA).
“We are happy to work with our Republican colleagues where it meets the needs of the American public,” Aguilar stated.
However, Aguilar expressed doubts about the possibility of reaching a deal and warned that when both parties come together, it often “drives the most extreme members of their conference to coalesce around a really bad bill.” He emphasized that unless Republicans are willing to compromise, little progress can be made.
“We hold out hope there are folks on the other side of the aisle who want to govern,” Aguilar said. “We will work with them where we can, but they have given in to the extremists here. And as long as that continues, this is where we’re at.”
Congress has until September 30 to pass the budget for the next fiscal year, after which the government will run out of money and shut down until a deal is reached. The process involves advancing 12 individual appropriations bills in each chamber before sending the final product to the president’s desk for approval. However, House Republicans and Senate Democrats currently disagree on top-line spending numbers, setting the stage for a challenging process.
It remains uncertain when the House plans to reconvene for a vote on the legislation, leaving the House in a state of uncertainty as GOP leaders work to unite their party. Members have been advised to keep their schedules flexible over the coming days, with the possibility of weekend votes.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner
How are internal tensions within the GOP hindering progress in reaching a consensus on a spending agreement?
Gness to work with Republicans in order to avoid a government shutdown. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with the Problem Solvers Caucus on a potential bipartisan deal. This demonstrates a possible path towards a resolution and highlights the importance of working across party lines to reach a solution.
Nevertheless, internal tensions within the GOP are making it difficult to come to a consensus. The rejection of the annual defense appropriations bill by both Democrats and some Republicans further illustrates the challenges faced by House GOP leaders. It is essential for them to find common ground and bridge the gaps within their own conference in order to move forward.
In addition to resolving internal disputes, GOP leaders are also grappling with resistance from hard-line conservatives regarding a stopgap spending measure. This measure aims to prevent a government shutdown by extending the deadline for a final spending agreement. However, alternative options are being explored by moderate Republicans, further highlighting the complexities of the situation.
The ongoing conversations between Republicans and Democrats within the Problem Solvers Caucus provide a glimmer of hope. Temporary funding measures, which could encompass key issues such as border security and disaster funding, are being discussed as part of a potential bipartisan deal. This indicates a willingness from both sides to find common ground and prioritize the functioning of the government.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that any temporary solution should not replace the goal of passing all 12 appropriations bills individually. This commitment from Republicans underscores their dedication to the budgetary process and their intention to address each aspect of government spending through proper channels.
While some Democrats have expressed their willingness to work with Republicans, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. It is crucial for both parties to put aside partisan differences and prioritize the well-being of the American people. The looming threat of a government shutdown must serve as a catalyst for bipartisan cooperation and effective governance.
In conclusion, House GOP leaders are facing significant challenges in finalizing a spending agreement to avoid a government shutdown. Democrats are waiting to extend a helping hand across the aisle, and discussions are underway between the Problem Solvers Caucus and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Nevertheless, internal tensions and resistance from hard-line conservatives complicate the process. Temporary funding measures are being considered as part of a potential bipartisan deal, but Republicans emphasize the importance of passing all appropriations bills individually. The outcome remains uncertain, and bipartisan cooperation is essential to ensure the effective functioning of the government and the well-being of the American people.
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