With the March 14th government funding deadline looming, House Republicans are increasingly anxious about the slow pace of spending negotiations. Many members expressed concern over the lack of a "topline" funding number to guide the appropriations process for the 2025 fiscal year.

The House has already resorted to two continuing resolutions (CRs) to extend the deadline, temporarily maintaining 2024 funding levels. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, warned that another CR would be "catastrophic," particularly for defense spending. He stressed the urgency of establishing a topline figure to initiate the appropriations process.

Failure to reach an agreement by mid-March risks a partial government shutdown, coinciding with ongoing reconciliation talks and within the first 100 days of President Trump's second term. While some members expressed cautious optimism, others, like Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), criticized the lack of progress as a "complete failure." Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) emphasized the need for swift action, placing her confidence in Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) to deliver a topline number within the next two weeks.

Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) indicated that Chairman Cole is actively consulting with colleagues on a topline number, acknowledging the challenge of juggling multiple legislative priorities, including reconciliation, the debt ceiling, and appropriations. Past CRs have required bipartisan support, often facing resistance within the GOP. Some conservative members are preparing for another CR or, worse, an omnibus spending bill. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) is even drafting legislation to maintain border security funding in case of a shutdown.

With limited session days remaining, Rep. Keith Self (R-FL) voiced concerns about the potential impact of a failed CR on reconciliation negotiations. However, not all conservatives share the same level of anxiety. House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-MD) expressed openness to a full-year CR, provided it is crafted appropriately. He emphasized the importance of the topline figure in determining his position.