House Republicans strategize on government spending deal: Expect potential worsening before improvement.

House⁣ Republicans Close to Agreement on‍ Spending Legislation, Hopeful to Avoid Shutdown

House‌ Republicans are cautiously ⁢optimistic as they emerge from negotiations, believing ​they are nearing an agreement on spending legislation just over a week before⁣ government funding is set to lapse. In an effort to spark movement on the legislation, GOP‍ lawmakers have unveiled a new ‌plan led by Reps. Matt‌ Gaetz (R-FL) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY). While⁢ the framework is not yet finalized, it marks the ‍first sign of compromise in days.

Possible Funding Breakthrough with Conservative Holdouts

“No final agreement except that there is enthusiasm behind a process that would have us moving on several appropriations bills, sort of simultaneously, considering amendments [in an] open process all⁤ meant to keep the ball moving down the court,” Molinaro said.

The proposed plan would set the appropriations⁤ topline number at around $1.526 trillion without rescissions, matching the amount offered earlier in the week by House ‌Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). It includes a​ combined⁤ rule that advances four appropriations bills at once, with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security,⁣ and State and⁤ Foreign⁣ Operations appropriations bill likely⁤ to ⁣be ‍included. The fourth bill is still being ⁤debated.

The chosen bills aim to provide⁤ cuts in spending, unlike the previous bills that saw an increase. For example, the State and Foreign Operations bill⁤ proposes a 15% cut under‌ the fiscal⁤ 2023 appropriations.

While passing some‍ appropriations bills may not prevent ​a government shutdown, House Republicans ‌hope it will strengthen their position in negotiations with the Democratic-led⁤ Senate. Rep. Steve ‌Womack (R-AR) stated, ⁤“Hell no, they’re⁤ not going to become ⁤law. But⁤ maybe it gives us an opportunity to have a stronger conversation during conference.”

Rep. Gaetz acknowledged that not all 12 appropriations bills may⁣ be⁤ passed before the⁤ September 30 deadline, but‍ emphasized that he would not support any stopgap measure. However, other House Republicans, such as Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), are considering ⁣a discharge petition ⁢if a continuing resolution does⁤ not come from the House⁢ Republican caucus.

The Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed a bipartisan continuing resolution ⁢that would fund the government through January 11, 2024, in response to⁣ concerns that Republican holdouts would block any stop-gap funding measure.

While ⁣there is still a long road ahead, Rep. Gaetz believes it is worth giving a ‍little on the top-line number to​ move away from⁢ continuing resolutions and omnibus legislation. He acknowledged that the situation may worsen before it improves.

The plan comes after the House adjourned on Thursday ⁣morning, canceling‌ initial plans to vote on a continued resolution over​ the weekend. Lawmakers expressed criticism over the cancellation ‍and urged their colleagues to return.

Lawmakers remain optimistic that substantial progress can be made on spending legislation early next week, with Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-OK) stating that ​many members are feeling better about the situation. He emphasized the need to show momentum and acknowledged that there is a lot of work to be done in a week.

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How are conservative lawmakers seeking to address their concerns and ensure that the proposed plan ⁤prioritizes conservative policies?

‌And Foreign Operations appropriations bill includes language that would restrict funds for international family planning organizations ​that provide or promote abortion services. This provision has ‍been a priority ‍for conservative lawmakers, ⁤and its inclusion in the proposed plan is seen as a breakthrough ⁤in securing their support.

However, conservative holdouts​ still remain cautious and ⁤are seeking assurances that the‌ proposed plan will prioritize conservative policies and address their concerns. Some lawmakers are pushing for amendments that ⁤would defund sanctuary cities or address immigration issues. Progress on reaching a final ⁣agreement will depend on ⁢whether ​these demands can be met.

The Urgency to Avoid a⁤ Shutdown

“We​​ would like to avoid a shutdown if possible,” Gaetz said. “But we also want⁣ to make sure that we are advancing the policies that we believe are consistent with the will and the values of the American people.”

The urgency⁤ to reach an agreement stems from the impending deadline for government funding. Without a​ deal, the government would face a⁢ shutdown, resulting in furloughs for federal employees and disruptions ‌in essential services. The⁢ last government shutdown in 2018 ⁣lasted for 35 days and had significant economic and political ‌consequences.

Both⁤ parties acknowledge the need to avoid a shutdown and its potential negative impact on the economy and public opinion. However, Democrats have been pushing for additional funding for their priorities, such as climate change initiatives, healthcare, and education. Finding a compromise that satisfies both conservative demands and progressive priorities ⁣is ⁤proving challenging.

The Impact⁢ of a Possible⁣ Agreement

An agreement on spending legislation would provide much-needed⁢ stability and certainty⁣ for government operations. It would ensure that federal agencies have the necessary funding to carry out their missions and provide essential services‌ to the American people.

Additionally,‌ reaching a compromise would demonstrate‌ a bipartisan willingness to work together and find consensus​ on critical issues. In a time of heightened political ​polarization, a successful agreement would offer a glimmer of hope that cooperation and⁣ compromise are still possible in Congress.

However, the proposed plan still faces potential obstacles.​ It must pass both the House and the Senate, where Democrats‍ hold ‍a slim majority. Democratic lawmakers ⁢have ‌expressed‍ concerns about⁢ the⁣ proposed cuts in spending and the inclusion of restrictive policies. Negotiations and amendments will likely be necessary to secure sufficient support from both parties.

In⁤ conclusion, House Republicans are hopeful that ‌an agreement on spending legislation is within reach, just days before government funding is set to lapse. The proposed plan shows signs of ​compromise and attempts to address conservative concerns. However, ⁢challenges ⁤remain in reaching a final agreement that ​satisfies both conservative demands and ⁢progressive priorities. Avoiding a government shutdown is crucial, and⁢ a bipartisan agreement would provide stability and demonstrate⁣ the ability of Congress to​ find common ground.

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