Rep. Greg Lopez, R-Colo., criticized Congress on Newsmax Saturday for relying on continuing resolutions (CRs) to fund the government, calling it an admission of failure to fulfill its basic responsibilities.
Lopez, a member of the House Budget Committee, sharply criticized the reliance on CRs during an appearance on “Saturday Agenda.” Lopez emphasized that the use of CRs reflects Congress' inability to address the federal budget properly.
"Anytime you talk about a continuing resolution or omnibus, what that means is that Congress has failed to do its basic job," Lopez said. "We are in a financial crisis, and yet we keep kicking the can down the road without making tough decisions."
Lopez voted against the latest CR passed last week despite the support from former President Donald Trump and included provisions for disaster relief and economic assistance for farmers. He expressed concern over the lack of detailed discussion on the bill's contents, pointing to allocations such as $9 billion for submarine construction, an example of spending that deserved closer scrutiny.
"I'm not saying submarine funding is wrong," Lopez clarified. "But we didn't have the opportunity to truly discuss every detail of the bill. We're spending money we don't have, borrowing every day, and heading down a slippery slope."
The congressman also highlighted a Congressional Budget Office report identifying 1,200 expired programs still being funded at $516 billion annually. Some programs have not been authorized since 1980, he said.
"We need to stop doing continuing resolutions," Lopez stated. "The Budget Act of 1974 made it clear — there are 12 appropriation bills that make up the budget. Congress needs to debate and approve these instead of relying on CRs and omnibus packages."
Lopez believes addressing fraud, waste, and abuse is a critical first step, though he acknowledges it won't solve the deficit problem. "It's always easier to spend other people's money," he said. "But we are spending not just this generation's money but that of the next two generations."
When asked about the stability of House Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership, Lopez acknowledged internal challenges within the Republican Party but was optimistic.
"There is some discussion about a vote of confidence on the speaker," Lopez said. "He's a good man, but herding 218 Republicans to align is a tough job. He needs to engage more with members and get their input before making decisions."
Lopez concluded by expressing confidence in the House's ability to navigate its leadership challenges and address the nation's pressing fiscal issues.
"But I think, you know what? It's going to be a very interesting 119th Congress. I think at the end of the day, I'm confident we're going to we're going to make the right decision as to who the speaker is going to be," he said.
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