Trump Backs Clean Continuing Resolution Amid Government Shutdown Threat

Trump Backs Clean Continuing Resolution Amid Government Shutdown Threat

As a potential government shutdown approaches, former President Donald Trump has expressed support for a clean continuing resolution to fund the government through the end of September. His endorsement comes at a time of increasing urgency, with the federal funding deadline looming.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized President Joe Biden, stating, “As usual, Sleepy Joe Biden left us a total mess. The budget from last year is still not done. We are working very hard with the House and Senate to pass a clean, temporary government funding bill to the end of September. Let’s get it done!” His remarks emphasize the importance of swift action to avoid a lapse in government services.

Support from Congressional Leaders

Representative Chip Roy from Texas has shown his support for Trump’s call for a clean continuing resolution. In a statement to Fox News Digital, he noted, “I will support President Trump’s request for a clean CR to hold spending flat while we continue to identify cuts, reprogram those funds, and prepare a strong FY26 appropriation package that cuts waste and reflects common sense.” This support highlights a unified front among some Republicans in favor of maintaining current spending levels while working towards more permanent fiscal solutions.

House Speaker’s Remarks on Spending Flexibility

House Speaker Mike Johnson has pointed out that the continuing resolution could incorporate certain adjustments. He referred to possible “anomalies” that might alter spending levels, thereby allowing for increases or decreases in funding for various programs. During a recent CNN interview, Johnson discussed whether a continuing resolution would inadvertently fund initiatives favored by notable figures such as Elon Musk, who has called for budget cuts in certain areas.

Johnson expressed his belief that a clean continuing resolution would primarily remain unaltered, justifying it with the need to adapt to recent economic realities. He stated, “I think we need to reflect the new commitments towards less government and more efficiency.” His perspective may influence other lawmakers as they consider their votes.

Concerns Raised by Some Republicans

Despite the backing from some party leaders, not all Republican representatives fully support a clean continuing resolution. Representative Eli Crane from Arizona voiced his hesitation, stating, “I would have a real hard time voting for a clean continuing resolution after everything we’ve seen out of the previous administration.” His remarks underscore a divide within the party regarding budgetary strategies.

Crane further expressed skepticism about Congress’s ability to maintain the momentum required to align with Trump’s previous fiscal policies, emphasizing, “I have little confidence that Congress will be able to keep up with President Trump.” His comments point to the challenges lawmakers may face when attempting to reconcile differing viewpoints on fiscal responsibility.

Questions About Legislative Goals

Representative Ralph Norman from South Carolina questioned the rationale behind not solidifying Trump’s policies within any continuing resolution. He stated, “Why are we even having discussions about these issues if we’re not going to include solid measures in the CR?” His inquiry reflects concerns about the effectiveness of temporary measures compared to more long-term solutions.

Budget Office Proposals for Anomalies

CQ Roll Call recently reported on a list of proposed anomalies sent by the White House budget office to lawmakers. This document, titled “FY 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Assumptions,” outlines various suggested spending adjustments. These range from requests for increased funding to calls for reductions across several programs.

One notable entry seeks an additional $3.654 billion for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program to maintain services for approximately 2.3 million low-income families. The document warns that without this funding, an estimated 230,000 households could lose assistance. This illustrates the potential human impact of budget decisions currently under discussion.

Funding Cuts Envisioned by the Administration

Conversely, other proposed anomalies suggest significant funding cuts, such as a rescission of $20.2 billion for the Enforcement account of the Internal Revenue Service. This measure would affect funding established under the Inflation Reduction Act, implying a potential shift in fiscal priorities that critics may oppose.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comments regarding the ongoing CR negotiations and the specifics of the anomalies put forth in the FY 2025 proposals. However, as of now, no official response has been received.

The Broader Implications of Government Funding Decisions

The upcoming congressional decisions regarding the government funding will not only affect fiscal policies but also set the tone for future interactions between legislative bodies and the executive branch. As tension rises over spending disagreements, the effectiveness of bipartisan negotiations will come under scrutiny.

As lawmakers continue deliberations, the fundamental question remains whether they can approach these budgetary challenges collaboratively or if divisions will enhance partisan discord. With both immediate and long-term implications at stake, the unfolding political dynamics will be watched closely.

In essence, as the government shutdown deadline creeps closer, the actions and decisions made in the coming weeks will determine how effectively Congress can address these pressing fiscal issues. It ultimately underscores the need for cohesive governance that prioritizes both budgetary prudence and the essential services relied on by millions.