Congress is once again at a crossroads on government spending, with Republicans pushing forward a continuing resolution (CR) out of the House that extends current funding levels through September. Predictably, the hardline fiscal conservatives aren’t happy. 

And honestly? I get it.

For years, we’ve been told, “Just wait until we have the majority. Then we’ll make the real cuts.” And now that Republicans are in control, the first major spending move keeps the status quo intact. No drastic reductions, no immediate cuts—just a resolution that extends current spending, with only minor adjustments. That’s a tough pill to swallow for conservatives who have been waiting for a hardline stance on spending.

READ MORE: House Freedom Caucus: The US Must Choose Either $20 Trillion in Debt or Medicaid Reform

But here’s why passing this CR actually makes sense—if Republicans follow through on the second part of the plan.

This Isn’t a Win for Big Spending—It’s a Setup for Budget Reconciliation

The most important strategic piece of this CR is that it doesn’t allow new government programs to be created. While spending remains flat, this means no new wasteful projects, no expanded bureaucracies, and no new footholds for Democrats to grow government even further.

At the same time, the continuing resolution clears the way for budget reconciliation, where actual spending cuts can be codified into law.

And that’s the key here. Instead of rushing into a shutdown fight—which would immediately be blamed on Republicans—the strategy is to hold the line for now and then pass spending cuts through reconciliation, making them far harder to reverse later.

And let’s be clear: Democrats are panicking over this approach.

They know that once cuts (especially the ones being pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency, or "DOGE") are written into law, they become significantly more difficult to undo. That’s why they’re already spinning this as an attack on Medicare and Medicaid, despite the fact that this CR doesn’t cut those programs at all.

In fact, here’s what the continuing resolution actually does for healthcare:

• Extends Medicare hospital payment adjustments for rural and low-volume hospitals.
• Maintains telehealth flexibilities that were put in place during COVID.
• Delays Medicaid disproportionate share hospital reductions that would have impacted Louisiana hospitals.

Nothing in this resolution slashes healthcare funding—yet Democrats are already out fear-mongering about non-existent cuts.

The Real Fight Comes Next—And It Needs to Happen

While this CR isn’t a major win for conservatives, it isn’t a loss either—as long as Republicans follow through with spending cuts in the upcoming budget process. There is pushback from Senate Republicans and a handful of House Republicans on the CR, which is fair. But the plan pushed by House leaders and the Trump administration appears solid.

This is where budget reconciliation becomes critical. Unlike a CR, which just extends current spending levels, reconciliation allows Congress to lock in spending reductions, ensuring that government agencies and programs don’t just get a blank check moving forward.

Republicans can also work in Medicaid reforms here—not cuts, but real and meaningful reforms—and begin restructuring those entitlement programs that have long been a burden on the budget and can be rife with abuse.

One of the biggest hurdles for real spending reform is that once Congress appropriates money, the executive branch can’t simply refuse to spend it. That’s why conservatives need a congressional vote to pull back funding—because once the money is allocated, it’s incredibly difficult to claw back later.

That’s why budget reconciliation has to be the next step. Republicans have spent years promising real fiscal responsibility, and the excuse of “just wait until we’re in charge” won’t work anymore. The votes are there. The strategy is in place. Now, it’s time to actually follow through.

A Word for the Fiscal Hawks

I get it. I really do. 

If you’re a hardline fiscal conservative, you’re tired of the Charlie Brown and the football routine when it comes to government spending. The frustration is real.

But if Republicans stick to the plan, if they pass meaningful cuts in budget reconciliation, this strategy will have been worth it. The CR is not the victory—but it sets up the real battle that actually matters.

Now, if Congress fails to follow through on the spending cuts, if reconciliation becomes yet another excuse to kick the can down the road, then the anger from fiscal conservatives will be justified. There won’t be any more room for excuses.

For now, though, this is the right move. Pass the CR, block new spending, and then get serious about cutting what’s already there. Because the moment for fiscal conservatives to prove they can govern responsibly is here. And there won’t be another excuse if they fail.