Conservative Hardliners Push Showdown Over Government Funding

Over 20 US House Republican hardliners, including members of the House Freedom Caucus, have threatened to block their party's fiscal 2024 appropriations bills unless spending levels are cut below levels agreed upon by Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden. They have also called for a delay in appropriations votes until all 12 government funding bills have been finalized. This could complicate efforts to avoid a government shutdown after the current fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. Senate negotiators are aiming for bipartisan deals, but conflicting spending targets and contentious issues such as abortion and transgender rights may further complicate negotiations.