[gpt3] Rewrite this title: House G.O.P. Considers Stopgap Spending Bill to Avert a Shutdown [/gpt4]

## House Republicans Propose New Stopgap Funding to Avert Shutdown

House Republicans proposed a new stopgap funding measure on Sunday, aiming to prevent a looming government shutdown at the end of September. However, the plan, which includes significant spending cuts for most federal agencies and reintroduces stringent border control measures from the Trump era, faces a stark impasse on Capitol Hill.

## Preventing a Government Shutdown Amidst Legislative Chaos

The proposed legislation was presented to lawmakers during a conference call on Sunday night. It’s the latest attempt by the House Republican leaders to navigate the challenging funding deadlock that threw their plans to consider annual spending bills into disarray last week. Consequently, Congress is on a course that could lead to a government shutdown on October 1.

Leaders from both legislative chambers agree that a stopgap measure is needed to keep government agencies operational after the fiscal year ends on September 30. Funding is set to lapse because none of the 12 annual appropriations bills have yet been passed by Congress.

## A Compromise in Question

The House proposal represents a compromise between right-wing Republicans and more mainstream party members. It aims to prevent a politically risky shutdown while also proposing some funding cuts and border controls demanded by the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus. However, the plan’s viability is uncertain, as some Republicans have expressed reservations. Even if the House manages to pass it, the proposal is unlikely to survive in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Republicans have tentatively scheduled a vote for Thursday, allowing time to overcome resistance within their ranks.

## McCarthy’s Bid to Resurrect Pentagon Spending Measure

The proposed legislation follows a statement by Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Sunday, indicating his intention to revive a Pentagon spending measure that stalled last week. This move was seen as a pressure tactic to convince far-right members to abandon their demands for steeper spending cuts or face political backlash for blocking the Pentagon funding bill.

The stopgap bill proposes to extend funding through October 31 and impose a nearly 8% spending cut on most federal agencies, excluding the Pentagon, veterans programs, and disaster relief. It includes most elements of a tough immigration measure approved by the House in May, except for the E-Verify employment verification system, a plan that has drawn criticism from several fronts.

## Opposition Within and Beyond Party Lines

Despite McCarthy’s efforts, some conservative House Republicans have stated they will not support a stopgap bill, known as a continuing resolution, under any circumstances. Dissenters include Representative Matt Rosendale, a Montana Republican, who described the proposal as a continuation of Nancy Pelosi’s budget and Joe Biden’s policies.

Democratic party members were quick to dismiss the legislation. Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, a senior Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, criticized Republicans for prioritizing extreme funding bills over a bipartisan solution.

## The Road Ahead

Both the House and the Senate ran into obstacles last week in their efforts to advance yearlong spending bills. Far-right Republicans disrupted the appropriations process as time is running short. McCarthy is facing threats from the far right about a possible move to remove him from the top House post for not keeping spending commitments, a fight he said he is ready to take on. At the same time, more mainstream Republicans have expressed frustration at the conservative wing’s efforts to hold up the spending bills and are urging McCarthy to put the Pentagon bill on the floor.

Original Story at www.nytimes.com – 2023-09-18 02:00:27