House Freedom Caucus’s Position on Senate’s Government Shutdown Agreement
The chairman of the House Freedom Caucus has tentatively supported the Senate’s bipartisan deal aimed at preventing a government shutdown. Congressman Andy Harris from Maryland indicated to Fox News Digital that he is leaning towards backing the bill, although he mentioned he is still finalizing some details.
“I would probably vote ‘yes’ as it stands right now,” Harris remarked. However, he expressed a concern regarding Senator Rand Paul’s proposal, which seeks to amend the bill’s approach to regulating certain intoxicating cannabis products.
Harris stated, “If that provision is removed…I cannot support this bill.” He emphasized the necessity for addressing a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that permits the sale of hemp-derived products with high levels of THC, including to minors in many states.
The Senate managed to resolve a prolonged funding deadlock on Sunday night, with eight Democrats joining the majority of Republicans—excluding only Paul—to overcome a filibuster and advance the updated spending legislation.
While there may be a push for swift passage of the bill, attention will be on whether Senator Paul will delay the proceedings by contesting the cannabis provisions.
Overall, Harris characterized the current bill as “looking pretty positive,” and suggested that other members of the right-leaning House Republican caucus likely share similar sentiments. “We are still unpacking the whole package, but with the exception of [the proposed reversal of federal layoffs], I think members are generally optimistic about the rest,” he explained.
The agreement proposes a temporary extension of federal funding through January 30, 2025, allowing Congressional negotiators to work on a longer-term budget plan for the fiscal year 2026.
Lawmakers may also make strides in funding the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs and Military Construction, through specific appropriations known as “minibuses.”
The deal might reverse federal layoffs enacted during the Trump administration last October, additionally providing furlough pay to affected workers. It guarantees Senate Democrats a vote on extending the Obamacare subsidies that were enhanced during the pandemic and will expire at the year’s end—an essential demand from Democrats following extensive negotiations.
However, the House does not provide a similar guarantee, leading Democrats to concede on key issues to help end the government shutdown, much to the dismay of progressive members.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly and privately indicated his reluctance to promise a House vote on extending the Obamacare subsidies in return for Democratic backing.
Harris expressed skepticism about the likelihood of such a vote passing through either chamber of Congress. “I don’t think a coronavirus-era extension will ever pass in either chamber,” he said, specifically referring to a potential straightforward extension.
