WASHINGTON – Congress has no clear path to reach a deal as the two parties grow in disharmoniously in funding negotiations just 11 days.
The government will run out of money by the end of next Friday, March 14. Republicans control the House and the Senate, but they need Democratic support to pass a fundraising bill because it is bound by the 60-vote threshold of the Senate.
Hopes for a comprehensive funding deal have disappeared, so President Donald Trump and congressional leaders are withdrawing a short-term bill to keep the administration open on autopilot, which is likely before the end of the fiscal year. But, even if that is a barrier.
“I’m not optimistic. I don’t think we’re going to have a budget,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-la. “My Democratic colleagues have always insisted that we include language that limits the administration’s participation in spending decisions.”
Democrats have been pushing for restrictions on Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, rather than attempts to close or cut institutions without Congress’ approval. But Republicans say it’s a non-starter because they support budget cuts by government efficiency leaders, and they say it’s about eliminating waste.
House Speaker Mick Johnson (R-La.See the media. ”
Johnson called for one measure: “Free funds at the current level to ensure that the administration can incorporate all these savings opportunities as we begin to start through Doge’s efforts and all other sources of income brought by President Trump’s policy.”
DN.Y. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement Sunday that Democrats are interested in a deal that “promotes the economic well-being, health and safety of everyday Americans.” But he added: “Zero outreach in the Trump administration and House Republicans have left the negotiating table.”
The White House has filed a request to Congress for add-ons to the bill (or “abnormal”) that includes a $32 billion Department of Defense transfer mandate, which some Democrats see as a slave fund. The request includes a $20 billion cut to IRS enforcement and an increase in funding for immigration and customs enforcement actions. The document is viewed by NBC News and is certified by two sources.
“I think the White House abnormal requirements are completely inadequate,” said Sen. Patty Murray, the Washington, the top Democrat of the Appropriations Committee, on Monday. “Again, the solution is in front of us: short-term CR, telling our committee to work. The Democrats are on the table. We’re ready to do that.”
Sen. R-Maine, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, told NBC News on Monday that she is “taking a two-track approach” that includes a complete ongoing solution and short-term bills “maybe a month” to provide more time to get detailed agreements.
For Johnson, the first question is whether he can find enough votes to pass the House with a narrow Republican majority of 218-215. This may require a Democratic vote, as conservative Republicans often vote for government funding.
Typically, Democrats support short-term bills. But this time, Republicans insist on protecting or codifying cuts, which has brought Democrats against rallying because they see grass-roots anger among federal workers and veterans. Democrats see Trump-Musk’s efforts as trampling on Congress’ power over spending, and some say they won’t support a bill that will last.
Furthermore, at least two moderate House Republicans have slammed another idea of continuing to resolve.
R-Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales argued Congress needed to pass a regular appropriation bill instead of kicking cans with CR.
“I have the work that Congress needs to do and pass a conservative budget!” He wrote on x. “CR is the code of trash that is continually fraud, waste and abuse.”
Afghan and Iraq War veteran R-Neb. Rep. Don Bacon slammed CR, saying it would not allow for the urgent need for additional military funds.
“The ongoing resolution (CR) is detrimental to our military and weakens our national security,” Bacon Write on x on Sundayno mention of how he would vote. “CR means new weapons programs cannot begin. A one-year CR means we don’t seriously build troops that will stop China, Russia and Iran.”
But Bacon said Monday that White House officials contacted him after his post and acknowledged that “normal” needed to “strengthen” military spending.
Johnson huddled with the Republican leadership team on Monday night and returned to the Capitol on Monday night with support from the CR program.
Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md, chairman of the House Liberty Caucus, said that although parking measures did not cut the hyperconservative group’s cheering governor. All members of the Freedom Caucus voted last week Budget Solutions This calls for a $4 trillion increase in debt ceiling.
“I think we are drawing new areas with President Trump and his efforts to make the administration more efficient,” Harris said.
When asked if he was concerned about the closure, Rep. Byron Donalds, member of the Freedom Caucus R-Fla. Answer: “No.”
Donalds told NBC News while saying “Dems are ridiculous”, he said: “This town is fun.”
Republicans are seeking to juggle a fundraising bill through irrelevant efforts to advance part of Trump’s agenda through a massive party plan that has attracted a unified democratic opposition.
D-Mass. Senator Elizabeth Warren said Democrats will continue to “tell the truth about what Republicans are trying to do” and said it is the job of the majority to make serious proposals.
“Republicans have a majority,” Warren told reporters on Monday. “They need to come up with a package that can pass the House and the Senate. That’s their job.”
