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Top leaders in the House have responded cautiously to Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan for government funding, which includes cuts linked to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Key voices on both sides seem unsure if this approach can work.

Tom Cole, the chair of the House Appropriations Committee and a Republican from Oklahoma, shared his thoughts with CNN. He said, “The concept isn’t bad, but we might not have enough time before the March 14 deadline.” He acknowledged the urgency of the situation, especially with a potential government shutdown looming.

Cole also opposed the idea of cutting funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He emphasized the importance of bipartisan support, stating, “You can’t get this through the Senate with partisan games.” In the Senate, Republicans will require some Democratic votes to move past potential roadblocks.

As the deadline approaches, Cole warned that people underestimate the amount of work needed to sort through budget exceptions. While short-term spending bills usually maintain current funding levels, they can also have specific adjustments that change funding in certain areas.

Meanwhile, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, expressed frustration at the shifting proposals from Johnson. She stated, “I don’t know what they’re even talking about. It’s like there’s a new idea every day.”

In the Senate, GOP Senator Susan Collins, who leads the appropriations committee, argued that discussions on these cuts should take place during a more comprehensive negotiation process. “I don’t see how that could work,” she remarked, suggesting these issues should be addressed during the next fiscal year’s planning.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine dismissed the proposal as a “nonstarter.” Since any government funding measure needs support from at least some Democrats due to a 60-vote requirement, the path forward looks tricky for Republicans, who currently hold 53 seats.

Another Democratic Senator, Chris Murphy, reacted to the situation by saying, “I’m not gonna respond. That sounds like nonsense.”

As March 14 gets closer, Johnson admitted in a CNN interview that Congress might have to agree to a temporary solution, keeping spending at current levels while factoring in adjustments for DOGE cuts, including those affecting USAID.