Main Street and Freedom Caucuses propose short-term funding bill, face opposition from GOP colleagues

A group of six House Republicans have proposed a one-month Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the U.S. government through to October 31. They include Main Street Caucus Reps. Stephanie Bice, Dusty Johnson, and Kelly Armstrong, along with Freedom Caucus Reps. Byron Donalds, Chip Roy, and Scott Perry.

The Continuing Appropriations Act 2024 proposes a one-month Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the U.S. government until October 31, 2023, maintaining annual funding at $1.59 trillion, slightly below FY 2023 discretionary spending. It preserves existing funding for defense and veterans, temporarily reduces non-defense spending by 8.1285 percent for 31 days to meet overall spending caps, includes provisions from the 2023 Secure the Border Act, restricts federal funds for certain White House immigration policies, prevents border wall removal, and enforces specific immigration action priorities. This CR serves as a temporary funding solution during ongoing appropriations negotiations.

Several Republicans oppose the Continuing Resolution (CR). Rep. Matt Gaetz believes funding for Ukraine and Special Counsel Jack Smith’s activities constitutes a betrayal of Republicans. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene sees the CR as a rehash of last year’s Democratic policies, with an 8 percent cut. She objects to funding Ukraine, COVID-19, and what she considers a weaponized government. Greene advocates redirecting funds to disaster relief and border security. Rep. Cory Mills asserts Congress’ duty is to fund the U.S. and protect Americans, emphasizing his representation of domestic interests.

Rep. Eli Crane criticizes the bipartisan approach of making compromises, attributing it to the current $32 trillion U.S. debt. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna opposes the CR, deeming it a “weaponized slush fund” with reduced oversight. She contends that it sustains “woke and weaponized government agencies,” perpetuating spending trends from the previous year and burdening future generations with additional debt.

For his part, Rep. Marc Molinaro says the CR ensures a smaller, smarter, and more secure government. He maintains the CR was “an agreement reached through honest, good faith negotiations” that shrinks the federal government, demands greater efficiencies, and protects Americans. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also says he believes there is bipartisan support to keep funding Ukraine, regardless of the fight over funding legislation.