The ongoing struggle to avoid a government shutdown is once again exposing divisions within the House GOP's slim majority. House Republican leaders had initially planned to pass all 12 individual appropriations bills before the August recess to prevent a messy funding battle. However, this plan has hit roadblocks as GOP rebels push for politically unpopular votes on measures that may not make it into the final bills after negotiations with the Democratic-held Senate.
Fiscal conservatives and GOP rebels have criticized each other, with some accusing their colleagues of engaging in 'political masturbation' by proposing amendments that are unlikely to pass. The frustration among rank-and-file Republicans is palpable, as some lawmakers feel that the focus should be on passing conservative bills that align with the party's principles.
