House Republicans are pushing back against Democratic opposition to their government funding proposal, arguing that it is driven more by hostility toward Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) than actual policy disagreements.
The funding bill, scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, faces significant resistance from House Democrats, who have repeatedly criticized Musk's influence and his role in federal operations.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., did not hold back when addressing the Democratic pushback.
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"They hate Elon Musk and Donald Trump more than they love their country," Mace told Fox News Digital.
"They're just losing their f**king minds."
Despite the partisan battle, she remained hopeful that some Democrats would ultimately support the legislation, pointing out their past willingness to approve continuing resolutions (CRs) under Joe Biden.
"I mean, they voted for every CR under the sun when [former President Joe Biden] was president. That’s what this is — it’s just political games," she added.
Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., echoed similar sentiments, blaming Democrats' ongoing losses at the ballot box for their stance.
"It's either [President Donald Trump] or Elon Musk or a combination thereof, right?" he said.
Crank noted that Democratic infighting, particularly following disruptions during Trump’s speech to Congress, has left them in a politically weakened position.
"They've had nothing but political losses from November forward. Last week was the worst political loss I think they've suffered in a long time," he said.
"I guess they’ve got to keep fighting, but what they should do is the right thing: Keep the government open."
Democratic lawmakers have expressed fierce opposition to Musk's DOGE initiative, arguing that it represents undue influence from an unelected billionaire.
Even Democrats who have supported streamlining government operations have taken issue with Musk’s role, claiming that his involvement benefits him financially through military contracts.
Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., dismissed the idea that his opposition to the funding bill was tied to Musk, despite calling the billionaire’s work harmful to government operations.
"Musk doesn't live rent-free in my head," Crow said.
"I'm not making legislative decisions based upon Elon Musk and what he does and doesn’t do in any given day… I'm focusing on my constituents."
Other Democrats have taken a different approach, criticizing the GOP’s handling of government spending instead of focusing on Musk. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., sidestepped questions about Musk entirely, instead attacking House Republicans for opting to push a CR rather than working on full fiscal year 2025 appropriations bills.
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"Republicans have said for the longest time, right, that CRs are no longer the way to fund the government. Speaker Johnson promised to do individual spending bills. That was his pitch to his colleagues in order to remain speaker. OK. He’s the one who’s going back on his word to his own colleagues," Moskowitz said.
Despite these claims, many Democrats have tied Musk and Trump to their opposition to the bill.
House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., argued that the legislation prioritizes tax breaks for wealthy conservatives at the expense of essential government services.
"It takes away veterans' healthcare. It takes away critical research funding. Those are the things that House Republicans are willing to do just to give Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s friends continued tax breaks. That’s unacceptable to House Democrats," Aguilar said.
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., took to X to blast the proposed spending plan, accusing Trump and Musk of illegally manipulating federal agencies.
"Trump and Musk are illegally shutting down federal agencies, mass firing federal workers, and freezing congressionally mandated funding. It’s causing massive job losses and economic chaos for my constituents, and the Republican CR would continue this disaster. I will vote no," Beyer wrote.
The Republican-led CR would extend funding at fiscal year 2024 levels through October 1, 2026, with an increase in defense spending and a $13 billion cut in nondefense funding.
House GOP leadership has insisted that the bill includes additional funding for veterans’ healthcare, countering Democratic claims that it would strip support for veterans.
While Democrats typically support CRs to prevent government shutdowns, this time, House Republicans may have to rely on their own votes to pass the measure.
As of Monday night, several GOP lawmakers remain undecided, with Trump personally reaching out to members still on the fence.
GOP funding bill, Elon Musk government efficiency, House Republicans budget plan, Democrat opposition Musk, Trump funding bill, government shutdown debate, congressional spending fight, federal budget 2025, Speaker Johnson spending bill, Washington political battle
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