Vance pitches Republicans on Trump-backed funding bill in closed-door meeting

House GOP conference chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich., is aiming to “codify” DOGE savings as she weighs in on a House Democrat rallying to impeach “kings” and the looming possibility of a government shutdown this weekend on “The Story.” Vice President JD Vance made a compelling case to House Republicans during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday morning, emphasizing the importance of passing a government funding bill to keep the lights on for border security goals and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Two lawmakers who were present at the meeting revealed that Vance highlighted the critical role of DOGE and border operations in his pitch to Republicans who were still undecided about the bill. Additionally, Vance hinted at the potential for future federal spending cuts, a message that resonates with House Freedom Caucus leaders and fiscal conservatives.

“It’s crucial to pass this bill to ensure the continuity of DOGE and border operations,” one lawmaker stated. “And once we have a better understanding of where cuts can be made, we will have more flexibility in shaping the budget.”

The House and Senate are facing a tight deadline to pass a federal funding bill by the end of Friday to prevent a partial government shutdown. President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind a House Republican-led measure, a continuing resolution (CR), which will maintain government spending at FY 2024 levels until the start of FY 2026 on Oct. 1. House GOP leaders view this as a significant win and are urging their colleagues to pass the bill swiftly.

While Democrats have historically opposed government shutdowns, House Democratic leaders have criticized Republicans for allegedly using the legislation to benefit Elon Musk and Trump at the expense of federal agencies. Vance also raised concerns about the potential disruption of Elon Musk’s DOGE efforts in the event of a shutdown.

Despite some reservations, House Republicans seem poised to shoulder the responsibility of passing the bill themselves. Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed Vice President JD Vance to the conference meeting on Tuesday, signaling a united front in support of the funding bill.

As negotiations on the CR progress, there is optimism among those involved that the bill will move forward successfully. Even lawmakers who typically oppose CRs, like Rep. Eric Burlison, have expressed cautious support, citing their trust in President Trump as a determining factor.

President Trump and his allies have been actively lobbying potential holdouts to ensure the bill’s passage. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., remains staunchly opposed, but House GOP leaders are confident that the majority of members will vote in favor of the bill.

In a show of confidence, House GOP leaders have decided to send lawmakers back to their districts early, canceling a day of votes on Wednesday. The vote on the funding bill is expected to take place late Tuesday afternoon, with President Trump’s support lending momentum to the process.

As the deadline looms, the future of government funding hangs in the balance. House Republicans are determined to keep the government running and prioritize key initiatives like DOGE and border security. The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of the funding bill and ensuring continued operations for essential government programs.