House Republicans remain open to the possibility of a short-term spending agreement as the deadline for a government shutdown approaches

A Battle Within ​the ⁢GOP: Another Short-Term Resolution Looms

A handful of House Republicans ⁣are conceding they’ll need to pass another short-term ⁤continuing ⁣resolution to keep the⁢ government ​open while they⁣ finalize a ‌budget proposal despite outrage from some of their conservative colleagues.

The disagreement⁢ within the party comes as some members ​are concerned⁢ they won’t⁢ have ‍enough time ⁣before the Jan. 19 deadline to ⁢get the spending legislation through Congress, setting the ‌stage for ⁢a possible⁤ stopgap measure to buy lawmakers more​ time.

Shortly after⁣ House Speaker Mike Johnson ⁢(R-LA) secured‍ the gavel, the⁤ Republican leader​ vowed he⁢ was ‌“done” with‌ pursuing short-term continuing resolutions.

“We’re ​going to get the job done, and everyone is‍ determined ​to do that,” he said.

But now, with a partial government shutdown looming just⁢ 10 days ⁢away, many in the House GOP say there may not be a way to avoid the temporary lifeline.

“I don’t ​know‍ how the hell ⁣we get there without one,” said Rep. Dave ⁤Joyce (R-OH),‍ who ⁣sits on​ the⁤ Appropriations Committee. “I mean,⁢ it’s just a matter of timing.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing there ​may not be another⁣ option.

“I don’t see how we get ‍there​ … unless we want a short-term shutdown,” said Rules Committee​ Chairman Tom‍ Cole (R-OK).

But passing a short-term spending deal in the House could pose ​a challenge for Johnson, who is already in hot water with hard-line conservatives who are upset‌ with the speaker for‍ a $1.59 trillion top-line spending deal for fiscal 2024 he made with Senate Democrats ⁢over the weekend. The deal‍ allowed lawmakers to ‍begin negotiating‌ their ‌12 separate appropriations bills to⁣ fund the government.

The move angered conservatives within the House Freedom Caucus, however, who criticized the deal as a ‌“total failure” that didn’t go far enough to cut spending or address the crisis ⁤at the⁣ southern border. Several Republicans have already said they’ll vote against the deal, ‌spelling trouble‍ for Johnson as he seeks to keep his‌ party in‍ line.

In the leadership meeting on Tuesday, House⁣ Freedom⁤ Caucus Chairman Bob Good (R-VA) had a “very heated exchange” with Johnson and ‍“ripped‍ his a**”​ three times about the⁢ top-line agreement, according to a source familiar.

Afterward, Good declined to discuss specifics in the meeting but said, “I support speaker Johnson, but it’s⁢ not personal when I criticize policy or don’t agree with it.”

“Past history would not indicate we are willing to fight for good policy or ​reduced‌ spending,” Good said.

Some members have already begun talking about the motion ⁣to vacate to‌ remove Johnson from the ‍speakership, possibly repeating the fate ‍of his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy. On Tuesday, Rep. ⁢Chip Roy (R-TX) said on a ‍radio show that the motion ‍to vacate is not off the‍ table.

The first batch of spending bills is set to expire‌ on Jan. 19, after which the government will enter a partial shutdown‍ and funding for several agencies will ​lapse. The second deadline is set for Feb. 2.

Cami ​Mondeaux ⁢also authored this report.

How⁣ can‍ the GOP address the⁢ internal divisions within the ⁢party and prioritize finding common ground for long-term budget⁣ solutions

“It’s ‌not ideal,⁡‍ but if it’s ⁣necessary to keep the government​ open, then ‍we may have⁢ to⁣ consider it,” said Rep. Sarah‍ Smith (R-TX).

The battle ⁢within the GOP⁣ over⁢ short-term resolutions is not a new phenomenon. In recent years, Congress has relied on multiple continuing resolutions to keep the government funded as lawmakers struggle to agree on a long-term budget solution. This constant cycle of short-term fixes has drawn criticism from both parties, ‌as it hampers effective ⁢governance and leads to uncertainty​ in‍ government operations.

The primary reason for the‌ struggle to pass a long-term budget proposal lies in the deep divisions within the Republican Party. While many Republicans ​agree on the need for fiscal discipline and⁢ reducing government‍ spending, they differ on the details and priorities. Some members want to prioritize defense⁤ spending while others focus on‍ domestic programs. These differences create significant hurdles in reaching a⁢ consensus.

Furthermore, the ‌short time frame before the Jan. 19 deadline adds additional pressure on lawmakers. With only limited days remaining, it becomes increasingly challenging to⁢ negotiate and pass a⁢ comprehensive spending bill. This time⁣ crunch‌ often necessitates⁤ resorting to short-term⁤ resolutions as a stopgap ⁢measure to buy more‍ time for negotiations.

However, relying on short-term‍ resolutions is not a sustainable solution. It perpetuates a cycle of temporary funding, preventing ⁤long-term planning and ⁣hindering the stability of government operations. This constant uncertainty and⁤ lack of a clear budgetary framework⁢ can have serious consequences for agencies, employees, and the American ‍people.

To break this cycle and ensure effective governance, ⁤the GOP needs to address the underlying divisions within the party and prioritize finding common ground. It requires compromise and thoughtful negotiation to develop a⁤ budget proposal that meets ⁣the needs of ⁣all Republicans and can garner bipartisan support.

Additionally, ⁤Congress should consider setting earlier deadlines for budget proposals to allow for more robust discussions and adequate‍ time for review. By⁢ giving lawmakers more time, the chances of⁤ reaching a long-term budget agreement increase, reducing the reliance on short-term⁤ resolutions.

The battle within the GOP over short-term resolutions⁣ reflects⁤ a larger struggle within the ‌party to ​find a unified ⁣vision ⁢for governance.‌ Tensions between conservative and moderate factions often result in gridlock and ‌hinder ⁢progress.‍ The GOP must overcome these internal‍ divisions and work⁣ together towards‍ a common goal – ensuring the effective‌ and responsible functioning of the government.

As the Jan. 19 deadline approaches, House Republicans‍ face a critical decision. They must weigh the potential backlash from their conservative colleagues ‍against the necessity of keeping the government open. Ultimately,⁣ the GOP needs to prioritize the well-being ⁢of​ the American people ‍and strive⁤ towards⁢ long-term budget ⁣solutions instead of relying on short-term fixes.

The upcoming battle within the GOP over another short-term resolution​ highlights the deeper challenges the party ⁤faces​ in developing⁢ a cohesive and practical approach to governance. It is an opportunity for Republicans to ‌reflect ‌on their priorities, unite behind common goals, and work towards responsible ‍fiscal ‍policies that benefit all Americans. Only then can ‍the GOP overcome its‌ internal strife and provide effective leadership ‌in Congress.

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