GOP Leaders Frustrated with Holdouts as Shutdown Looms

Exasperated Republican leaders in the House are frustrated with the holdouts in their own party who are preventing them from advancing a short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown. These hard-line Republicans have repeatedly stymied Speaker Kevin McCarthy and are not willing to work with Democrats on a compromise. In an attempt to gain their support, GOP leaders plan to advance four full-year appropriations bills next week, but they are also criticizing the holdouts for hindering progress. The leaders are sharpening their messaging and warning that the holdouts will be responsible if the government shuts down. However, the hard-liners argue that Congress should only pass regular appropriations bills and reject the idea of a continuing resolution. The Senate is making moves to fund the government beyond the end of the month, despite the House traditionally moving first on spending bills. GOP leaders remain optimistic about finding a solution before the funding deadline.