The deal means legislation will move forward this week, however, the lawmakers warned that they could block other measures in the house of representatives if there is no progress towards a “power sharing” arrangement with McCarthy that would bolster their influence over spending.
After meeting with McCarthy, representative Ralph Norman told reporters: “we’re concerned about the economic security of this country, and to that end, we will work. If we don’t have that, there are going to be fights.” Norman and other hardliners said they will press for additional spending cuts in the twelve appropriations bills congress aims to enact by October 1st in order to keep federal agencies operating during the 2024 fiscal year.
They are also looking to eliminate an estimated one thousand programs that have not been reauthorized by congress, representing $100 billion in spending. With a narrow majority of 222 to 213, McCarthy can not afford to lose more than four republican votes on any measure that faces uniform opposition from democrats.
