Things are heating up.
Several House conservatives are suggesting that a potential government shutdown might be the necessary course of action to halt the ongoing increase in government spending. The lawmakers are up against a looming deadline of September 30th to secure funding for the government for the upcoming fiscal year.
According to Newsmax, Representative Ralph Norman from South Carolina stated, “If a shutdown occurs, then we should accept it if they’re not adhering to what Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California agreed upon, which is to establish a path toward financial security, a goal we’re currently lacking.”
Representative Bob Good from Virginia mentioned, “Around 85 percent of the government can continue functioning, and the majority of Americans may not even notice. If this is the leverage we require to push the Democrats into agreeing to spending cuts and an end to detrimental policies that are severely affecting the American people, then we should pursue it.”
With the Republicans holding a narrow 222-212 majority in the House, Speaker McCarthy requires substantial support from his entire conference or assistance from the Democrats to pass any legislation.
McCarthy expressed his preference for passing a “short-term” continuing resolution (CR) to extend government funding past September 30th while both chambers work on appropriations agreements. He stated, “A government shutdown is undesirable in the eyes of everyone.”
He also cautioned House conservatives about the potential consequences of a government shutdown on ongoing investigations into the Biden administration. McCarthy said on “Sunday Morning Futures” on Fox News, “I actually support a short-term CR to strengthen our arguments. If we shut down, the entire government shuts down, including investigations. This harms the American public.”
However, certain conservatives remain skeptical of McCarthy’s proposition. Representative Matt Rosendale from Montana dismissed the idea, asserting, “We won’t be swayed by the notion that failing to pass this continuing resolution would impede impeachment inquiries. That’s baseless.”
The House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative members, recently announced via social media that it will oppose any short-term government funding bill that lacks provisions related to border policies and fails to address concerns about the Department of Justice and perceived “woke” military policies.
Representative Morgan Griffith from Virginia, another member of the Freedom Caucus, remarked that even discussing the possibility of a shutdown could be advantageous. He stated, “While a shutdown isn’t beneficial for the nation, sometimes engaging in discussions about it can bring all parties to a sensible agreement for the benefit of the American people.”
Even if the House manages to pass a bill that satisfies the Freedom Caucus, the Democratic-controlled Senate is unlikely to follow suit. Representative Darrell Issa from California affirmed, “I believe it’s our duty to fund the government, and I’m willing to find common ground with whoever is necessary to ensure the government’s uninterrupted operation.”
“While I can endure a shutdown, having experienced several in the past, I believe it’s counterproductive, and the same sentiment is shared by the Speaker,” Issa added.