Conservative opposition to earmarks is emerging as a major obstacle to moving spending bills in the Senate.
Senate Republicans want to move ahead on a proposed five-bill package of spending bills, known as a minibus, that would cover the bulk of discretionary fiscal 2026 spending. But a handful of GOP fiscal hawks are delaying the push due to concerns about earmarks and overall spending levels.
The objections risk moving Congress toward another government shutdown in less than two months. Congress must pass nine remaining full-year funding bills or a stopgap measure by Jan. 30 to avert a shutdown.
Majority Leader ...