With no apparent progress on federal funding, some Republicans in the House and Senate are starting to feel the pressure. The next government shutdown deadline is looming, and time is slipping away.
Senate Democrats have rejected a Republican proposal multiple times—a short-term funding measure known as a continuing resolution (CR) that would keep the government funded through November 21. The bill is expected to be voted down again later today.
Historically, CRs have been a way to allow Congress more time to negotiate longer-term funding agreements. The original plan was to give Republicans an additional seven weeks, extending until September 30, 2025. However, that timeline has shrunk to just over five weeks unless Democrats suddenly shift their stance.
In conversations with Fox News Digital, some House Republicans concede that the November 21 date might need to be reconsidered.
“This is an important issue that we’re all talking about,” Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) noted. He has been in Congress since 2009 and mentioned that things might need to be stretched out due to the time lost during the shutdown.
McClintock prefers to pass a new CR once the existing one expires instead of starting a fresh bill. The House approved the November 21 CR on September 19, mainly along party lines, with most Republicans intent on holding the Senate accountable.
“We need to get the CR moving in the Senate before deciding if we need more time,” he stated.
Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), who is leading funding discussions, echoed the sentiment for more time. He attributed the delays to Senate Democrats, pointing out that the House has already moved 12 separate funding bills out of committee.
“We feel we’re in a strong position and reaching agreements, but this stall has set us back considerably,” Valadao said.
Meanwhile, a Republican familiar with appropriations hinted at possible talks to merge three previously passed bills related to military construction, legislative branches, and agriculture into what they’re calling a “minibus,” also potentially including an extra 10-day CR.
The House and Senate have already initiated “conference committees” on those three bills, designed to facilitate compromise among lawmakers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) addressed the ongoing discussions last week. He highlighted that every delay brings them closer to the November 21 deadline, making it increasingly challenging to finalize spending plans.
“There’s a lot of anxiety,” Johnson said. “We’re monitoring the situation closely, taking it day by day.” But he pointed out that a new CR could be politically fraught for both chambers, especially given Republicans’ historic hesitance toward temporary funding extensions.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune mentioned the urgency of the situation, suggesting that continued delays could hinder the normal budgeting process. While he acknowledged the potential for changing the deadline, he remains firm on utilizing the House bill.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) expressed concern that ongoing shutdowns make it increasingly unlikely to pass a funding bill. “We need to reopen the government, and an extended deadline might be necessary,” he warned.
However, other Senate Republicans are more anchored in their views. “A new deadline isn’t going to solve anything,” Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) claimed. “The ball is in the Democrats’ court; we’re not asking for any conditions. This continues until they back down on their demands.”
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) also advocated for maintaining the existing bill, cautioning that changes could lead to further delays. “If we modify anything, it requires renegotiation with the House,” he noted, which could halt progress.
Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) expressed similar sentiments, voicing support for sticking to the November 21 timeline. “The focus must be on reopening the government. Until that’s achieved, other matters can’t be addressed,” she stated.
