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In a significant development amid the ongoing government shutdown, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.) has indicated tentative support for the Senate’s bipartisan funding deal, potentially paving the way for broader conservative backing of the legislation.
“As it currently is formatted, I would probably be a ‘yes’ vote,” Harris told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview, though he emphasized he was still reviewing the final details of the agreement.
The Maryland congressman did note one critical reservation about the deal: a provision targeting the sale of “intoxicating hemp products.” His support hinges on maintaining this measure, which Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is currently attempting to remove.
“If that provision is removed then… I can’t support the bill,” Harris stated firmly. “We have to close the 2018 Farm Bill loophole that allows hemp-derived products to be sold with intoxicating THC levels. And in many states, it’s even sold to children. We have to reverse that.”
The Senate broke its funding impasse Sunday night when eight Democrats joined nearly all Republicans to overcome a filibuster on the updated spending package. Only Senator Paul opposed the measure from the Republican side, protesting the hemp regulation provision.
The bipartisan agreement would extend fiscal year 2025 federal funding through January 30, providing lawmakers additional time to negotiate a more comprehensive deal for FY 2026. The legislation also advances funding bills for three critical areas: the Department of Agriculture and FDA; Veterans Affairs and military construction; and the legislative branch itself.
Harris indicated that most members of the Freedom Caucus, traditionally the most conservative bloc in the House, appear receptive to the overall package. “We’re still unpacking the entire package, but with the exception of the [reversal of federal layoffs], I think that the members are pretty favorable toward… the rest of the package,” he explained.
The deal represents a mix of priorities from both parties. For Democrats, it includes a reversal of recent federal layoffs conducted by the Trump administration, with affected workers receiving back pay for their time off. It also guarantees Senate Democrats will get a vote on extending enhanced Obamacare subsidies that were expanded during the pandemic and are set to expire at year’s end.
However, in what many view as a significant concession, House Democrats received no similar guarantee for an Affordable Care Act subsidy vote in their chamber. This omission has sparked considerable frustration among progressive lawmakers who had made extending these healthcare subsidies a central demand during negotiations.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has consistently maintained both publicly and privately that he would not promise Democrats a vote on Obamacare subsidies in exchange for their support on the funding package.
Harris expressed doubt about the ultimate fate of those subsidies, telling Fox News Digital, “The COVID-era extensions, I think there is no way that that passes either chamber,” referring specifically to “clean, straight-up extensions.”
The legislation’s passage timeline now largely depends on Senator Paul, who could potentially delay the process in protest over the hemp provision. Without unanimous consent to expedite consideration, procedural hurdles could extend the timeline for final passage.
The Freedom Caucus chairman’s tentative support represents a notable shift for a group that has often opposed compromise spending measures, signaling potential broader Republican support as the bill moves toward a House vote in the coming days.
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12 Comments
The hemp product provision is an interesting wrinkle. I can see both sides of the argument, but it’s good to see a conservative leader willing to work with the other party to try and get something done. Hopefully they can find a middle ground.
The hemp product provision is certainly a significant sticking point, but I’m glad to see a conservative leader willing to consider supporting this bipartisan deal. These kinds of compromises are critical for breaking the gridlock in Washington. Hopefully they can find a balanced solution that addresses the key concerns on all sides.
This seems like an important step forward, even with the hemp product issue still unresolved. It’s refreshing to see a conservative leader willing to work across the aisle, rather than simply digging in on partisan lines. I’m cautiously optimistic they can reach a compromise that works for everyone.
Agreed. Compromise and cooperation are essential for making progress on complex issues. It’s encouraging to see lawmakers from different parties willing to engage constructively, even if they don’t agree on every detail.
Interesting to see a conservative leader backing this Senate deal, even with one condition. The hemp product provision seems like a key sticking point. It’ll be important to find a balanced approach that addresses legitimate concerns while avoiding overly restrictive measures.
You make a good point. Finding the right balance on sensitive issues like this is crucial. Hopefully the legislators can work together to reach a reasonable compromise.
This deal seems like a positive development, though the hemp product issue is definitely a potential sticking point. It will be interesting to see how the final negotiations play out and whether they can find a solution that works for all parties involved.
The hemp product provision is a tricky one, but it’s promising to see a conservative leader willing to engage with the other side on this deal. Hopefully they can find a sensible solution that addresses the core concerns while allowing for some flexibility.
This bipartisan deal seems like a positive step forward, though the hemp product concerns are understandable. I’m curious to see how the final negotiations play out and whether both sides can find common ground.
Agreed. These kinds of compromises are never easy, but they’re important for making progress. I hope the representatives can find a solution that addresses the core issues without getting bogged down in partisan gridlock.
I’m encouraged to see a conservative leader open to supporting this bipartisan deal, even with the hemp product caveat. These kinds of compromises are essential for breaking the gridlock in Washington. Hopefully they can find a way to address the key concerns on all sides.
Absolutely. Compromise and cooperation are vital for making progress on complex issues. It’s good to see lawmakers from different parties willing to work together, even if they don’t see eye to eye on every detail.