Staff Reports
Unexpectedly, Republicans in the House are utilizing social media to justify their opposition to the "two-step" continuing resolution. Tuesday, the House approved the bill by a vote of 336-95; however, 93 of the 95 "no" votes were cast by Republicans. As a result, the party was divided; 127 Republicans and 209 Democrats joined forces to pass the bill.
'I Voted NO': Republicans Say Why They Voted Against Continuing Resolution To Avert Shutdown https://t.co/JLf4wc7cfl
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) November 15, 2023
A primary critique leveled against Republicans pertains to the dearth of policy triumphs that benefit the American people. Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas, conveyed his discontent by casting his vote against an ongoing resolution that perpetuates deficit spending that leads to inflation, does not achieve a solitary policy triumph, and hinders the progress of the Republican Party on crucial matters such as border security. In addition, he highlighted the escalating national debt, which is $33 trillion, the interest payments on which have begun to soar.
Border security concerns emerged as a recurring theme in the critiques put forth by additional Republicans. Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, a Wyoming Republican, stated on Twitter, "The short-term bill maintains current, grossly inflated spending levels, makes no provisions for border security measures, and does nothing to rein in the regulatory state." Representatives Morgan Luttrell and Randy Weber of Texas shared this view.
Republicans were additionally apprehensive about the need to address Washington's irresponsible spending, which included spending cuts. "Tennesseans did not send me to Washington to continue spending their tax dollars at levels rubber-stamped by Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Joe Biden," tweeted Tennessee Representative Diana Harshbarger. This sentiment was reiterated by Tennessee Representative John Rose, who stated, "Tennesseans should not be required to pay for the dysfunction in Washington."
Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, a prominent Republican, voiced his skepticism regarding the ongoing resolution while offering his endorsement of House Speaker Mike Johnson. "There is a fundamental difference between McCarthy and Speaker Johnson," Gaetz tweeted. McCarthy had a period of seven months to enact spending bills, in contrast to Johnson's brief weeks (which he also emphasized).
In general, members of the House of Representatives are utilizing social media to articulate their rationales for rejecting the "two-step" continuing resolution. Their discontent with Washington's expenditure patterns extends to the absence of border security provisions and inflationary deficit spending. The destiny of forthcoming legislative conflicts within the Republican Party is contingent upon the passage of time.
