Trump to meet GOP rebels ahead of government shutdown showdown
A group of House conservatives are scheduled to meet at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the path forward for avoiding a partial government shutdown. House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., revealed that the meeting will involve the House Freedom Caucus leadership and other like-minded individuals to hear what President Donald Trump has to say on the matter.
The meeting comes on the heels of a recent internal battle within the House Republicans, who took the first step to advance President Trump’s agenda through the budget reconciliation process. With fiscal year 2025 government funding talks repeatedly postponed since the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2024, Congress has resorted to passing continuing resolutions to extend current federal spending levels.
The looming threat of a partial government shutdown by the end of March 14 has prompted GOP leaders to seek passage of another continuing resolution, this time through the end of fiscal year 2025. However, Democrats and Republicans are at odds over the left’s demand for assurances that Trump will not exceed Congress’s approved spending levels.
The need for Democratic votes to pass any continuing resolution is crucial, as Republicans hold a slim majority in the House. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., can only afford to lose a few GOP votes to pass any legislation without Democratic support.
President Trump has called for a “clean” extension of last year’s funds through the end of the fiscal year in hopes of swaying conservatives and other GOP lawmakers who typically oppose continuing resolutions. Several lawmakers, including members of the House Freedom Caucus like Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., are expected to attend the White House meeting to discuss the issue.
Norman, who usually opposes continuing resolutions, expressed optimism about supporting this latest bid, citing Trump’s efforts to cut government waste as a new opportunity for Republicans to consider a different approach. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, also voiced support for Trump’s stance on a continuing resolution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current spending levels or reducing them.
As the meeting approaches, the House conservatives are hopeful that their discussions with the president will lead to a resolution that avoids a government shutdown. With Trump’s backing and the support of key lawmakers, there is optimism that a consensus can be reached to prevent a fiscal crisis.
