Rep. Chip Roy of Texas expressed his disappointment with fellow Republicans who are resisting a temporary solution crafted jointly by the conservative House Freedom Caucus and the more centrist Main Street Caucus.
He remarked, “If any Republican dismisses a 30-day proposal that reduces non-military, non-veteran federal spending by 8% and also has the most robust border security measure we’ve ever proposed, I’m at a loss for words. Such colleagues might as well face the consequences of their choices,” Roy commented to Fox News Digital.
He further stated, “I’m not shy about calling out flawed reasoning, and this resistance is flawed.”
The proposition, announced on Sunday evening by the two caucuses, suggested a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would reduce discretionary government expenditures by 8%, excluding defense and Veterans Affairs. Most of the provisions of H.R. 2 were included, apart from an eVerify clause.
However, many conservatives have shown dissent. Some demand that the total spending across all 12 appropriations bills not surpass $1.471 trillion before they consider a CR. Several dissenters are part of the House Freedom Caucus, with Roy serving as its policy chair.
Speaking to journalists, Roy mentioned, “Presently, the primary focus is on determining a spending ceiling and finalizing appropriations.” He elaborated that while he’d support certain appropriations bills totaling $1.471 trillion, there isn’t a consensus yet.
Earlier, Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma proposed an amendment to the CR to alleviate the concerns of the hesitant GOP members. As Fox News Digital detailed, the proposed amendment is a 30-day CR that would decrease funding by approximately $130 billion for the current fiscal year and incorporate the GOP’s H.R. 2 border security bill.
It also assures that the GOP-majority House will approve all 12 appropriations bills at the 2022 fiscal year’s level of $1.471 trillion, mirroring the cut proposed in the 30-day CR.
Regarding Hern’s amendment, Roy said, “I value the RSC chairman’s efforts, but the current CRs are facing obstacles. A group is reluctant about the CR.” He emphasized that if there’s no consensus on making an 8% cut to certain sectors and strengthening border security, it’s challenging to proceed.
Roy also pointed out the late-stage intervention of the RSC, likening it to a last-minute suggestion. He concluded by expressing that if the pathway is viable, he’s supportive. However, the current discussion revolves around that very pathway.
