Washington, D.C. – The discussion surrounding government funding and potential budget cuts has reached a fever pitch in the nation’s capital. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposal to incorporate Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts into funding bills has met resistance from key House appropriators on both sides of the aisle.

House Appropriations chair Tom Cole expressed skepticism about the feasibility of implementing these cuts before the looming government shutdown deadline on March 14. He emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation, especially considering the Senate’s role in passing any funding package.

In response to Johnson’s proposition, top Democrat Rosa DeLauro questioned the practicality and necessity of including DOGE cuts in government funding. The divided opinions in the House reflect the challenges ahead in reaching a consensus on the budget.

The Senate has also weighed in on the debate, with GOP Senator Susan Collins emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive negotiation process that includes input from various agencies. Democratic Senators Tim Kaine and Chris Murphy dismissed the idea as a nonstarter, highlighting the uphill battle facing any funding proposal in the Senate.

As the deadline approaches, Johnson hinted at the possibility of a yearlong resolution to maintain current spending levels, with adjustments to accommodate DOGE cuts. The intricacies of budget negotiations and the intricacies involved in balancing competing priorities are likely to dominate discussions in the coming weeks.

Ultimately, the fate of government funding rests on the ability of lawmakers to find common ground and navigate the complex web of budgetary constraints. The deadline on the horizon serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead in ensuring the smooth operation of the government.