The House of Representatives recessed without an agreement on funding the federal government, potentially increasing the chances of a government shutdown in the coming weeks. The current debate over continuing funding has divided the houses of Congress, including several allies of former President Donald Trump.
The recess happened after an effort to create a stopgap compromise to prevent a government shutdown failed. Should there be no deal soon, there would be an Oct. 1 government shutdown.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) appeared to criticize some Republican members of the House for the lack of a deal, stating that there is a “whole new concept of individuals who just want to burn the whole place down.”
There is also considerable debate over what could be funded in case of a government shutdown. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) accused Democrats of not properly funding the United States Coast Guard in case of a government shutdown.
ICYMI: Senate Democrats blocked legislation that would pay the Coast Guard in the event of a government shutdown. pic.twitter.com/ylcyntPmZg
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) September 22, 2023
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) signaled support for a continuing resolution to keep the government running, which appeared to contain several concessions for conservatives.
Donalds, a key supporter of Trump, said that the 30-day continuing resolution would allow for border security funding, would cut government spending by 8% and would not include any funding for the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“The truth is Congress needs more time to do the necessary spending cuts and reforms to stop the weaponization of our government and save our country,” he wrote.
Donalds received some criticism over the proposal, including from fellow Trump ally and Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL). Donalds said that when his office received calls against his proposal, he “answered the phone and listened.” He said that voters felt “lied to an sold down the river by Washington politicians.”
“The measure I helped craft is a win for the conservative movement and conservative policies like securing our border and getting our fiscal house on the right track, two things the Democrats vehemently oppose. I’ll never turn my back on the people who elected me to serve the great residents of Florida’s 19th Congressional District or the conservative movement,” he said.
