Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told House GOP members last week that he expects to move a short-term measure to fund the government past the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, thus preventing what would be the first government shutdown in years.
But the recent list of demands from hardline conservatives on a continuing resolution is putting pressure on House GOP leaders, who can only afford to lose a handful of votes in their slim majority pass any bills without Democratic support.
In a draft press release obtained by The Hill, the group said its members will oppose any spending measure that does not address three policy areas: the border, the “weaponization” of the Department of Justice and FBI, and “woke” policies in the military.
The Freedom Caucus wants any stopgap to “include the House-passed ‘Secure the Border Act of 2023’ to cease the unchecked flow of illegal migrants, combat the evils of human trafficking, and stop the flood of dangerous fentanyl into our communities.”
The caucus also signaled opposition to President Biden’s supplemental appropriations request for an additional funding for Ukraine as it battles against Russia’s invasion.
Any official Freedom Caucus position requires support from at least 80 percent of the group’s membership. There are around three dozen Republicans in the House Freedom Caucus, more than enough to sink any party-line measure.
The Hill’s Emily Brooks delves further here.
