Several conservatives told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that they don’t expect any votes on the House remaining appropriations bills until the new year a move they’re concerned will cost Republicans valuable time in negotiations.
“We plan to address it in January. We deferred the decision, and I’m displeased with the approach we took,” expressed Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a member of the House Freedom Caucus, known for its hardline-right stance, in a conversation with Fox News Digital. “Both Republicans and Democrats in this body excel at spending taxpayers’ money, but unfortunately, they struggle when it comes to making necessary cuts.” Several conservatives told
Following the Thanksgiving break, lawmakers resumed their duties on Tuesday, and the next recess is scheduled for December 15th, extending until January.
Right before their departure, Congress approved a short-term extension maintaining last year’s government funding levels. However, they set two distinct deadlines: the appropriations bills related to military construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Energy and Water, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development must be passed by January 19, while the remaining eight appropriations bills need resolution by February 2. the House remaining
While the measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), allowed Congress to avoid a government shutdown over the holidays, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital he believed it also dampened the urgency for Congress to make a deal.
“All we’ve done with these two CRs is kick the can down the road. We still have a tough road ahead of us. We’ve got to get on with our business,” Self said. “We took the pressure off with the CRs. This town needs a deadline. When you moved the deadline out, it takes pressure off. This town responds to pressure. Otherwise, we’re happy to just let things go.”