Donalds and Gaetz Fight Over Continuing Resolution

As a government shutdown looms, Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) has spearheaded a continuing resolution (CR) to cut 8% of discretionary spending. However, conservative hardliner Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) expressed sharp opposition to the resolution, calling it "bad for America."

The Hill gave a description of Rep. Donalds' resolution, which included asylum restrictions to secure the border, no disaster relief funding or funding of Ukraine, and keeping Defense spending where it is in addition to the 8% discretionary cut.

On X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Donalds reiterated the main points of his resolution, saying "The truth is Congress needs more time to do the necessary spending cuts and reforms to stop the weaponization of our government and save our country."

However, Rep. Gaetz replied to the tweet, calling it "a terrible bill" where the 8% cut lasts 30 days, the border provisions "will be ignored by Biden," and it does not defund the ongoing investigation into former President Donald Trump by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

"The 8 percent cut is for 30 days. The border policy will be ignored by Biden. This CR funds the election interference of Jack Smith. This is a terrible bill, lumping the funding of disparate agencies of government into one BAD VOTE. This isn’t what we fought for in January. It is the opposite. And it doesn’t have the votes," replied Rep. Gaetz.

On the House floor, Gaetz proclaimed he was "not voting to continue the failure, the waste, the corruption, and the election interference, and in some cases, the efforts that could lead this country into World War III."

Additionally, he called the resolution "an insult to the principles we fought for in January."

Rep. Donalds replied to Gaetz in a separate tweet, calling on him to "tell the people the truth," namely that the Department of Justice (DOJ), nor a Special Counsel, will be affected by a government shutdown anyway, imploring Gaetz on how he intends to defund Smith.

"Matt, tell the people the truth. The DOJ will operate whether the government is shut down or not. Special Counsel's [sic] have always exempted themselves from shutdowns. What's your plan to get the votes to defund Jack Smith? You'll need more than tweets and hot takes!!" Donalds replied.

Gaetz quickly answered: "I want to send Jack Smith and every person who works at the DOJ a message. Your legislation sends them a check. Here’s my plan: Single subject spending bills Programmatic reform at DOJ A Continuing Resolution like the one you filed continues American decline. When you pitched this idea to House Conservatives you heard the very negative reaction and persisted anyway. Why? Abandon this disaster and let’s get one of our best players (you!) back onside."