The Truth About the CR: Why the Naysayers Are Getting Played
Fiscal conservatives and even many in the MAGA movement, rightly want to prove that principles come before politics, even when it means pushing back against President Trump. This instinct is good. It separates us from the sheepish, party-line obedience of the left. However, it’s also being weaponized against us. The narrative that supporting the Continuing Resolution (CR) is a betrayal of conservative values is a false one, driven by grandstanders like Thomas Massie. By taking the bait, we risk handing a win to the very forces we are fighting (the entrenched bureaucrats and career politicians who thrive in chaos). It’s time to cut through the noise and see the bigger picture.
A Continuing Resolution (CR) is a temporary funding measure that keeps the government operating when a full budget hasn't been approved. Without it, the government shuts down, leading to halted services and unpaid federal workers. Even vital programs like Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would cease operations, inadvertently empowering entrenched bureaucrats—the "Swamp"—to regain control.
Some conservatives worry that supporting a CR compromises their principles. However, this particular CR reduces wasteful spending by $13 billion without introducing new expenditures. It ensures essential services continue while allowing time to pursue more substantial conservative reforms.
President Trump has criticized Congressman Thomas Massie, labeling him a "grandstander" due to his consistent opposition to key legislation, including measures to prevent government shutdowns. Massie's voting record shows a pattern of dissent, often aligning with Democrats at critical moments, which has frustrated party efforts to pass conservative initiatives.
Supporting this CR aligns with fiscal conservative values by reducing unnecessary spending and maintaining government functionality. It prevents the Swamp from regaining power during a shutdown and keeps strategic initiatives like DOGE active. This approach reflects a commitment to pragmatic governance, ensuring that ideological principles do not impede the effective operation of the government.
President Trump's call to pass the Continuing Resolution reflects a balanced approach to fiscal conservatism, prioritizing both responsible spending and the uninterrupted functioning of government services. It is imperative for fiscal conservatives to recognize the broader implications and support measures that align with these principles.
The left is using misinformation to mislead well-meaning fiscal conservatives who only see the surface-level argument. They want conservatives to believe that passing this CR is the same as supporting reckless government spending but that’s simply not true. This is not an omnibus bill, which is a massive, long-term spending package stuffed with pork. Instead, this is a short-term measure that cuts $13 billion and prevents a shutdown that would only empower the Swamp. It does not reverse commitments to cutting wasteful spending; it actually buys time to fight for deeper, long-term conservative reforms. The left and the media want conservatives to make an emotional decision instead of a strategic one, because a shutdown plays into their hands. Trump understands this, and that’s why he’s pushing for a smart, disciplined approach.
Trump only has 2 years and the opposition knows this. Opposing helps the Swamp by halting progress and running out the clock prior to the midterms.
Don't fall for it.
