As Shutdown Fears Grow, House, Senate Republicans at Odds on How to Proceed in Funding Fight

There is tension among House and Senate Republicans over the upcoming budget resolution, as the possibility of a government shutdown in March casts a shadow over the halls of Congress once again. 

While the House proposal is stuck due to differences among Republicans, the Senate raced ahead releasing its version of a budget last week, with markup scheduled by the Budget Committee on Wednesday, February 12.

Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) believes the Senate should pass the budget in two waves: the first boosting spending for the border, and the second extending President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.

That’s different from the House, where House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) wants one large bill covering both provisions. 

"Like President Trump, I prefer 'one big beautiful bill'. ... That is my preference, but reality is something altogether different," Senator Graham wrote on X. 

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has not indicated when the broader senate may consider the legislation, which boosts defense spending by $150 billion and spending on border security related issues by $175 billion.

"We're looking for windows and availability of floor time. Part of that depends on how quickly we're able to process nominations this week and next," said Senator Thune. 

House Hangup

Over on the House side, Republican members worked through the weekend to craft a deal that could win full support of Congress. 

But so far, a deal is elusive with tax cuts a major hangup. 

Politico reports that House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and fiscal hard-liner Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) are quietly warring with Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) and other senior Republicans over how to proceed.

Fiscal hawks like Representatives Arrington and Roy are looking for additional ways to cut spending to pay for the tax cuts. 

CR Again?

This raises the possibility of yet another continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown at the March 14 deadline.

Bloomberg reports that Democrats made Republicans a top-line spending offer, but that negotiations are not going well. 

“We just are not where I think we need to be,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK). “I don’t have something I can go back and sell to my speaker and my caucus, or that I think the president would sign.”

And while Representative Cole did not give up hope for a full-year resolution, he added that a short-term stop gap may be needed. 

Democrats meanwhile are backpedaling on talks they would force a government shutdown over President Trump’s actions. 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) made clear Democrats would support a deal if it’s negotiated fairly. 

“Democrats stand ready to support legislation that will prevent a government shutdown. Congressional Republicans, despite their bluster, know full well that governing requires bipartisan negotiation and cooperation,” said Senator Schumer.