Republicans face hard-liner revolt as government shutdown looms

With 10 days until a government shutdown, House Republicans leaders are scrambling to secure support for a stopgap funding measure amid opposition from fiscal hard-liners, reports Politico. The proposed bill, which would fund the government at current levels through September, faces resistance from conservatives who want deeper spending cuts and from Democrats who oppose a long-term freeze on agency budgets.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) warned Tuesday that if Republicans ultimately approve higher spending levels in a bipartisan funding package, conservatives will demand offsetting cuts in the party's budget resolution. That resolution is key to advancing President Donald Trump’s policy priorities—tax cuts, energy investments, military funding, and border security—through budget reconciliation.

Trump has personally lobbied House Republicans to back the stopgap bill, but GOP leaders will need near-unanimous support from their party, as top Democrats have signaled they will vote against it. If the measure fails in either chamber, the likelihood of a shutdown increases, forcing Republicans to engage in negotiations with Democrats over a broader spending deal.

Democrats are pushing for a short-term stopgap to allow more time for a full-year spending agreement. Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) rejected the GOP’s long-term funding proposal, arguing it would enable government downsizing under budget director Elon Musk. Meanwhile, House Democratic leaders place responsibility squarely on Republicans, warning that they control the government and must avert a shutdown.