Republicans are facing divisions as they attempt to devise strategies to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month, with funding set to expire in just 12 days.
Key Republican figures are advocating for a temporary funding measure that would extend into November, allowing Congress more time to tackle significant, bipartisan agreements aimed at funding the government in early fall 2026.
In contrast, some hardline conservatives are frustrated by the prospect of yet another continuing resolution (CR), especially with concerns that Democrats may avoid negotiations to bolster spending levels.
The decisions made by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Tune (Rs.D.) will significantly influence the likelihood of a government shutdown, as they will need Democratic support to advance funding legislation in the Senate. This dynamic also tests Johnson’s ability to maintain control over his slim GOP majority.
“My view is that if we’re going to do this, we should plan for a year’s CR, ensuring it includes actual cuts that reflect inflation,” noted Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), who has previously led the hardline House Freedom Caucus. “We’re not eager to face a standoff right before the holidays—they’re predictable outcomes.”
Several Republicans have indicated that the White House is aiming for a Stop Gap Funding Bill for 2026, which aligns with hardliners’ demands for a long-term CR.
“I believe the White House is pushing for that next year. If we’re heading into the next year, I’d advocate for its inclusion in December of next year,” said House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD).
Yet, other Republican budget managers are keen to establish new funding levels. Currently, the government operates under a year-long continuous resolution, mainly reflecting fiscal levels set during the Biden administration. Leaders argue that after the last funding deadlock in March, they require additional time to align funding with President Trump’s priorities.
House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) expressed hope for a stop-gap measure lasting until the end of November. He indicated that he and Senate spending committee chair Susan Collins (R-ME) could negotiate agreements to pass some annual funding bills for 2026 starting October 1, using stop-gaps to address the rest during negotiations with Democrats.
“Let’s get something done. A short-term CR to keep things moving, and then we can dive into a more substantial debate on the budget,” Cole suggested.
Asked about Cole’s November target, Johnson was noncommittal but showed openness to discussions with Democrats about a funding standstill.
“If there’s a shutdown, it’s because Congressional Democrats rejected a pragmatic approach to funding and chose to align with their extreme base,” Johnson said at a Wednesday press conference. “If Democrats collaborate with us and consider more responsible spending practices than last year, we are open to it.”
As discussions on funding continue, Republicans are also pushing forward with regular funding bills to demonstrate progress in setting new budget figures.
Congress must enact measures to keep the government funded until the fiscal year ends on September 30, with some Republicans raising concerns that partisan tensions could increase the chances of a shutdown.
In March, House Democrats voted unanimously for proposals similar to a full-year CR, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) advanced GOP proposals, which angered the Democratic base but prevented a government closure.
Harris has indicated readiness to engage in another showdown with Senate Democrats.
“Republicans have shown that if Chuck Schumer chooses to vote against them twice, we’ll still pass the CR, and he will have to explain it to the American people,” Harris stated.
Nevertheless, there’s a growing bipartisan effort in both chambers to pursue a temporary funding solution as part of the 2026 annual budget bill.
Cole mentioned to reporters that funding negotiators are discussing “a relatively modest bill” to potentially include in their upcoming stop-gap strategy. This could cover funding for veteran affairs, agriculture, and legislative sectors.
Democrats are upset about the Trump administration’s attempt to limit funding for foreign aid programs without Congressional approval, making them unpredictable in negotiations. However, some express support for bipartisan initiatives to advance various 2026 funding bills before the month concludes.
Sen. Patty Murray, a leading Democrat on the Senate Funding Committee, has shown backing for moving forward with three bills alongside the short-term funding measure.
“As part of a bipartisan short-term CR, I support advancing these three bills in the context of the remaining nine,” Murray said at a press conference on Wednesday. “I hope we can continue to move the bills that have succeeded in the Senate so they’re ready by the end of the month.”
In a statement on Wednesday, White House officials said they were “working with Congressional leaders to ensure responsible government funding.”
“Considering the legislative calendar ahead of the current funding bill’s expiration, a September CR seems increasingly probable, and conversations are ongoing regarding its duration,” the statement added. “Threats of a government shutdown linked to foreign aid are not in the best interests of a smooth funding process for the American people.”
On the right flank of the GOP, Johnson also faces pressure regarding long-term solutions. Freedom Caucus member Keith Self (R-TX) expressed a desire for another annual continuous resolution that addresses critical spending areas, like defense.
Rep. Eric Burleson (R-MO), another Freedom Caucus member, mentioned he was unlikely to support a short-term resolution, stating that his backing for a long-term solution would depend on what specifics are included in the legislation.
“If there are too many demands put forth, I can’t support that,” Burleson commented.
However, many Republicans prioritize funding ongoing projects in their districts, which have transitioned from earmarks to Community Funding Projects.
Frustration is already mounting among Republicans over the lack of resources for local projects since the government entered a suspension back in March.
