‘Complete failure’: Government shutdown crisis threatens Capitol Hill as Trump plans policy overhaul

With less than two months until the next government funding deadline on March 14, House lawmakers are expressing growing concerns about the slow progress of their spending talks. The absence of a topline number for funding has left many Republicans worried about falling behind on the federal appropriations process for fiscal year (FY) 2025.

Congressional Republicans have been focused on negotiating a massive conservative policy and budget overhaul through a process called “reconciliation.” This process allows the party in control of both the House and Senate to enact significant changes by lowering the Senate’s threshold for passage from 60 votes to 51. However, the lack of a topline funding number has created uncertainty and frustration among lawmakers.

“I think it’s a complete failure for us to not have a topline number,” said Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla. The ongoing reconciliation talks have been consuming much of the Republicans’ attention, leaving the appropriations process for FY 2025 in limbo. With just 19 days left in session until the deadline, time is running out for lawmakers to reach an agreement.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is tasked with navigating multiple critical legislative actions in the coming months. The House has already extended the FY 2025 deadline twice since October 1, most recently passing a short-term funding extension at FY 2024 levels. Known as a continuing resolution (CR), this temporary measure keeps the government funded but does not provide the necessary clarity for long-term planning.

“If we end up with another CR, that would be catastrophic. That would mean, in essence, a reduction in defense funding,” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. The lack of a topline number has left lawmakers in the dark about how to proceed with the appropriations process.

If a resolution is not reached by March 14, Congress could face a partial government shutdown in the midst of their reconciliation talks and during President Donald Trump’s second term. The uncertainty surrounding the topline funding number has raised concerns among members of the committee.

“We are less than eight weeks away from the CR expiring. We need to be able to get those toplines as soon as possible and get to work,” said Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla. The urgency to reach an agreement is palpable among lawmakers, who are hopeful that House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole will provide the necessary guidance in the coming weeks.

Despite the challenges ahead, some conservatives remain optimistic. House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, R-Md., expressed his openness to a full-year CR if properly structured. However, others like Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., are already working on contingency plans to ensure border security operations remain funded in the event of a government shutdown.

As the deadline looms closer, House lawmakers have just over two weeks’ worth of days in session to devise a plan. The pressure is on to avoid another CR or a comprehensive omnibus package combining all 12 regular appropriation bills. The need for a topline funding number is critical for lawmakers to move forward with confidence and efficiency.

In the midst of these challenges, Rep. Keith Self, R-Fla., raised concerns about the potential impact of a failed CR on the reconciliation negotiations. The coming weeks will be crucial for Congress to come together and find a resolution that ensures essential government functions continue without interruption.

Amidst the uncertainty and urgency surrounding the appropriations process, House members are hopeful that a solution will be reached in time to meet the March 14 deadline. The fate of government funding for FY 2025 hangs in the balance as lawmakers work tirelessly to address these pressing issues.