'Complete failure': Government shutdown crisis threatens Capitol Hill as Trump plans policy overhaul
There are less than two months until the next government funding deadline on March 14, and House lawmakers are growing increasingly concerned about the speed of their progress on spending talks.
With less than two months until the March 14 government funding deadline, House lawmakers are voicing concerns over the slow pace of spending negotiations.
"We’ve failed if we don’t have a topline number," said Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla.
Republicans have been focused on crafting a sweeping conservative budget and policy overhaul via reconciliation, a process that allows Senate passage with 51 votes instead of the usual 60. However, GOP lawmakers worry this focus has delayed progress on fiscal year (FY) 2025 appropriations, leaving no agreed topline funding number with just 19 legislative days left before the deadline.
Congress has already twice extended FY 2025’s funding deadline since Oct. 1, most recently passing a continuing resolution (CR) in December to maintain FY 2024 funding levels.
"Another CR would be catastrophic, especially for defense funding," warned Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. "We need a topline number to move forward, but I’m optimistic we’ll get there."
If the deadline passes without a deal, Congress risks a partial government shutdown, coinciding with reconciliation talks and President Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term.
Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., echoed the urgency, saying, "We’re just eight weeks out from the CR’s expiration. We need topline numbers now to proceed." She expressed confidence in Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., to secure a resolution soon.
Cole has been working on topline discussions, according to Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., who added, "We’re juggling reconciliation, the debt ceiling, and appropriations. Let’s hope for the best but prepare for the worst."
Historically, Republican leaders have had to rely on Democratic support to pass CRs, often facing resistance from GOP hardliners. Many conservatives fear another CR or a massive omnibus bill combining all 12 appropriation measures.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said conservatives are drafting a bill to ensure border security funding during a potential shutdown. "We’re running out of time," he stressed, suggesting lawmakers skip their upcoming Miami issues conference.
Rep. Keith Self, R-Fla., noted the House has limited session days left and questioned whether a mishandled CR could jeopardize reconciliation talks.
House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, R-Md., had a different view, saying he’d support a full-year CR if structured appropriately. "Tell me the topline, and I’ll tell you if I’m concerned," Harris remarked.
This article was reported by journalist Angelia.