Earlier this week, the Freedom Caucus released a statement expressing opposition to a potential stopgap funding bill that fails to address government spending. The group also said they would oppose any “blank check” for Ukraine in any supplemental appropriations bill.
“I don’t think anybody wants the government shutdown,” McCarthy said during a news conference when asked about the Freedom Caucus’ statement.
McCarthy encouraged lawmakers to continue working on appropriations bills and then hold a conference between the House of Representatives and Senate. McCarthy said he would be open to a “small extension” to allow such work to finish and avoid a government shutdown.
Earlier this month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he and McCarthy agreed to work on a continuing resolution to extend government funding beyond the September 30 deadline to avoid a potential shutdown.