President Donald Trump is actively reaching out to lawmakers to secure support for a bill designed to prevent a government shutdown by the end of the week, according to a White House official.
Multiple sources report that Trump’s team has been in contact with Capitol Hill figures ahead of a critical vote scheduled for late Tuesday afternoon. Two senior House Republicans indicated they expect Trump to engage directly with opponents of the bill before the vote. Both chambers of Congress must pass the legislation and deliver it to Trump’s desk by Friday to avert a partial government shutdown.
Two sources mentioned that Trump’s aides have been speaking with lawmakers inclined to oppose the bill, while a third source stated that the White House has also reached out to firm supporters to ensure a unified Republican stance during the vote.
“I’m sure the president is making calls,” a senior House Republican remarked. However, as of late Monday afternoon, not all hesitant Republican lawmakers had been contacted.
One undecided GOP lawmaker noted they had yet to hear from the White House or House leadership. Historically, Republicans have opposed continuing resolutions (CRs) in favor of passing 12 individual appropriations bills. However, this time Democratic leaders have suggested they will not push back collectively against a shutdown as they have in the past two years.
Democratic leaders have accused Republicans of using the CR to facilitate Trump’s and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, a point some conservatives are highlighting to rally support for the bill.
Several moderate Democrats facing competitive races may vote to prevent a shutdown, but Republicans are expected to bear most of the responsibility for ensuring its passage.
At least one Republican, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, has voiced opposition. He posted on social media that unless he experienced a “lobotomy” causing him to forget the past 12 years, he would vote against the CR.
It remains unclear whether the White House has attempted to sway Massie privately. Former Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita responded to Massie’s post with a terse message: “Tick tock Tommie.”
Meanwhile, another House Republican expressed frustration with what they described as recurring political theatrics from dissenters. “Some members see themselves as ‘purists’ who believe their vision alone can solve everything. This routine is getting old,” the lawmaker commented. “Imagine shutting down the government when both chambers are under the same party’s control just because the House couldn’t agree.”
House Republicans released the text of their 99-page continuing resolution on Saturday. Trump was previously credited with helping House Republicans secure agreement on a conservative budget plan after extended discussions with Representatives Victoria Spartz and Tim Burchett.
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