House Republicans Struggle To Unify Ahead Of Potential Government Shutdown

Washington is inching closer to a government shutdown and all eyes are on the House Republican caucus.

Disagreement inside the House Republican caucus is slowing down discussion. Ideally, they would unify behind a conservative funding proposal, giving them leverage in negotiating a compromise with the Democrat-controlled Senate.

“These are difficult conversations, there are some disagreements,” said Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK). “That’s the conversation right now that we’re looking to try to come to some agreement on.”

The stopgap measure House leaders announced this weekend set the topline at $159 trillion. Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern says that was too high for 20 or so conservatives, so today he offered an amendment to lower it to $147trillion.

“We’ve already had many of those say they will come over and support the continuing resolution because of our amendment,” Hern said.

But Democrats are not at all convinced that those stirring the pot plan to stop anytime soon.

“House Republicans are leading the country towards a government shutdown because their only priority is to hurt President Biden politically, and to help reelect Donald Trump,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said.

Oklahoma members say that is far from being true, but some do say the actions of a few are causing frustration for most.

“We are 11 days from a potential shutdown and I think most of us want to try to do what we can to avoid that,” Bice said.

It is clear that some Republicans feel that, if it takes a shutdown to get what they’re fighting for, then it’s worth it.