On September 19, 2023, the House passed a rule to consider H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, a Continuing Resolution (CR) aimed at sustaining the government till October 31, and included an 8% cut to all government spending accounts except defense, border security, and veteran care related accounts. It also included critical aspects of from H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which I cosponsored. Despite its merits, this CR, even after being amended to make an unprecedented 30% spending cut except for defense, border security, and veteran care related accounts, didn't pass, with a 198-232 vote.
Facing the impending end-of-month deadline, a subsequent CR was presented on September 30, to continue FY23 funding until November 17. While certainly not my preferred choice, I voted in favor of the bill to keep the government running, ensure our troops and Border Patrol are paid, and allow more time to pass full-year FY24 appropriations.
Despite recent challenges, funding the federal government is top of mind for the Republican Conference. My colleagues and I will continue to prioritize finding a consensus solution to passing FY24 appropriations bills.