GOP’s Plan To Avert Shutdown
Washington, D.C. – House Republican leaders are scrambling to push through a temporary spending bill this week to keep the federal government open through November 20 and avoid a costly shutdown. GOP insiders tell The Hill that the plan — known as a continuing resolution (CR) — will be as “clean” as possible, focusing solely on maintaining government operations without adding major new programs.
However, with lawmakers set to leave Washington next week for the Rosh Hashanah holiday, the timeline is incredibly tight. If Congress fails to act, a government shutdown could begin at the end of this month, impacting millions of Americans — especially seniors, veterans, and small businesses that depend on federal services.
Democrats Threaten to Derail the Plan With Costly Demands
The biggest hurdle Republicans face is Democratic opposition. Liberal leaders are pushing for massive new spending on healthcare and other progressive priorities as the price for their support.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) attacked the GOP effort on social media, accusing Republicans of waging an “unprecedented assault on healthcare.” Jeffries went so far as to claim the Republican plan was “a dirty spending bill,” despite it being a straightforward effort to keep the government running.
This sets up a dramatic showdown: If Democrats refuse to cooperate, House Republicans may be forced to pass the bill strictly along party lines — daring Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to either accept their proposal or face the blame for a government shutdown.
Key takeaway: Democrats appear willing to risk a shutdown to push through a radical healthcare agenda, leaving seniors and veterans caught in the crossfire.
Divisions Inside the GOP Over Stopgap Funding
Adding to the challenge, Republican leaders must contend with deep divisions within their own party. With only a two-vote margin, they cannot afford many defections.
Several conservative lawmakers are speaking out forcefully:
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) declared on X, “Congress should not pass a CR,” arguing that stopgap measures enable reckless Washington spending.
- Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) warned against a CR that ends right before Thanksgiving, fearing it could lead to a rushed, bloated omnibus bill.
- Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) rejected the idea entirely, saying, “I already hated status quo thinking… so I’m out on another CR for the sake of more government.”
These public statements highlight the tough balancing act for Speaker Johnson and GOP leadership, who must unify their caucus while facing unrelenting pressure from Democrats.
Republicans Turn Up the Heat on Vulnerable Democrats
In an aggressive move, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has launched a paid ad blitz targeting 25 vulnerable House Democrats.
The ads warn voters that Democrats are threatening to “sabotage President Trump’s policies” by pushing the country toward a shutdown instead of working with Republicans to keep the government open.
This campaign is part of a broader effort to frame Democrats as obstructionists willing to hurt everyday Americans to score political points in an election year.
Security Boost Considered After Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Among the White House’s requests for the CR is $58 million in new funding for government security, following the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
This shocking act of political violence has shaken both parties, with lawmakers on both sides calling for urgent action to protect public officials and prevent future attacks.
Security concerns are expected to play a major role in the final negotiations, as fears of political violence continue to grow heading into the 2026 election cycle.
Last-Minute Negotiations Underway
House and Senate negotiators are also racing to finalize key funding bills covering the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, and the legislative branch.
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) said Thursday that both sides are “not far apart” on certain issues, but warned that the timeline is incredibly short:
“We’re not trying to have a confrontation over the CR. We’re trying to pass a CR. But members need time to understand what they’re voting on,” Cole emphasized.
Why This Matters for Conservative Voters
For millions of Americans — especially seniors, veterans, and small-business owners — this fight isn’t just about Washington politics. A shutdown could delay Social Security checks, stall veterans’ benefits, and disrupt critical services across the country.
Republicans say they are fighting to keep the government open without giving in to Democrats’ big-government demands, while Democrats appear willing to hold the nation hostage to force through their radical healthcare agenda.
With the deadline looming, the next few days will be pivotal. Will Democrats compromise, or will America face yet another shutdown caused by partisan brinkmanship?
