GOP Divided Over Key Issue
Washington is gridlocked again — and Republicans are battling each other over how long to keep the government running.
A fierce dispute has broken out among Republicans on Capitol Hill over how long the next short-term spending bill should last — a decision that could determine whether the government reopens this month or stays closed into the holidays.
Most Republicans agree it’s time to make Democrats come to the table. But behind the scenes, a battle is brewing between conservatives who want to prevent another “Christmas spending spree” and establishment lawmakers trying to cut a deal before year’s end.
🔹 Conservatives Warn Against Another Holiday “Omnibus”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and a growing number of conservatives want a funding deadline that stretches into January, giving Congress time to negotiate responsibly instead of being cornered by a December deadline.
“I’m not a fan of extending it to December,” Johnson told reporters. “Too many people here have PTSD from those Christmas omnibus bills packed with wasteful spending. We’re not doing that again.”
Conservatives argue that pushing the fight into January is the only way to stop Washington from jamming through another multi-trillion-dollar spending package right before the holidays.
🔹 Establishment Lawmakers Push for December
On the other side, Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) and other long-time establishment senators are pressing for a December 19 deadline, warning that waiting longer could trigger a full-year “continuing resolution.”
That move would lock in Biden-era spending levels through September 2026 — exactly what conservatives are desperate to avoid.
Collins insists that ending the shutdown before Christmas is critical to “keep Congress functioning.” But many on the right see that as code for protecting Washington’s spending machine.
🔹 GOP Lunch Turns Heated
Tensions spilled over during a closed-door Republican lunch this week.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) pushed hard for January, while John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) backed December.
When Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.)—who’s been leading talks with Democrats—complained that she wasn’t given enough time to speak, Scott reportedly took offense, sparking what one senator described as “a pretty hot moment.”
🔹 A Possible Compromise
Some lawmakers, including Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), floated a December 12 deadline — early enough to avoid the usual Christmas chaos but short enough to pressure Democrats.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said that date seems “more likely,” adding, “Nobody’s crazy about December 19.”
🔹 What’s on the Table
The bipartisan negotiations now focus on a short-term continuing resolution (CR) paired with a “minibus” package to fund veterans’ programs, military construction, agriculture, and the legislative branch.
In return, Democrats want a vote to extend Obamacare subsidies — a move Republicans say would reward reckless spending.
🔹 Warning Signs of Trouble Ahead
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown drags on and air traffic controllers miss another paycheck, the country could face mass flight delays and cancellations next week.
“If Democrats don’t act by next week, you’ll see chaos in the skies,” Duffy said.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats met for more than two and a half hours behind closed doors Tuesday, still deeply divided over how to move forward.
🔹 Bottom Line
Conservatives are drawing a line in the sand: No more Christmas mega-bills. No more backroom Biden budgets.
The coming days will show whether Speaker Johnson and Senate Republicans can stay united — or whether establishment forces will push through yet another Washington spending spree that taxpayers can’t afford.
