Rep. Scott Perry Explains How the Stop-Gap Spending Bill Paves the Way for Conservative Wins
In a recent appearance on The Alex Marlow Show, Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), the former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, offered a detailed explanation of how the newly passed stop-gap continuing resolution (CR) sets the stage for Republicans to advance their fiscal agenda under President Trump. While conservatives have traditionally criticized CRs for maintaining bloated government spending and Biden-era policies, Perry framed the current CR as a strategic victory. By preventing the passage of an omnibus spending bill—a massive, all-encompassing appropriations measure that conservatives despise even more than CRs—Republicans have secured a window of opportunity to slash spending, combat inflation, and prioritize Trump’s policy priorities.
Perry emphasized that the CR, which freezes government funding for six months, is not an ideal solution but a necessary step in the broader fight to reduce the size and cost of government. He noted that the Republican leadership had initially sought to pass an omnibus bill, often referred to as a "four corners deal," which would have locked in higher spending levels and Biden-era policies. However, Perry and like-minded conservatives, along with President Trump, successfully pushed back against this approach, forcing the adoption of the CR instead. "What’s different is that we didn’t get our appropriations done, but our leadership wanted to do an omnibus. They wanted that four corners deal. The CR is not the four corners deal. They don’t want the CR; they’ve been forced into it by people like me and quite honestly, the president," Perry explained. By avoiding the omnibus, Republicans have avoided a worse fiscal outcome and gained valuable time to focus on passing legislation that aligns with their priorities.
How the CR Blocks Wasteful Spending and Earmarks
One of the key advantages of the CR, according to Perry, is its ability to block tens of billions of dollars in earmarks that would have been included in the omnibus bill. Earmarks, which are specific funding provisions inserted into spending bills for pet projects or special interests, have long been a source of frustration for fiscal conservatives. Perry recalled an instance where a Republican lawmaker complained to him about the absence of his earmarks in the CR, jokingly telling the member, "You’re talking to the guy, brother." While some lawmakers may grumble about the loss of their carveouts, Perry made it clear that he is not interested in such pork-barrel spending, which he views as wasteful and corrupting.
Perry also highlighted the CR’s role in allowing President Trump to continue his efforts to reduce government waste, fraud, and abuse. With Trump at the helm, Perry pointed out that the administration is now taking concrete steps to block funding for programs deemed unnecessary or ideologically opposed to conservative values, such as Planned Parenthood and certain international aid programs. Additionally, Perry noted that the CR enables key Trump officials, such as border czar Tom Homan, to continue their work in securing the border and right-sizing government agencies. The congressman emphasized that the CR is not just a temporary Band-Aid but a tool that empowers conservatives to begin the process of undoing years of excessive spending and regulatory overreach.
Republicans’ Strategic Focus: Securing the Border, Cutting Taxes, and Reducing Inflation
Looking ahead, Perry outlined the Republican agenda that the CR will now allow the party to pursue in earnest. At the top of the list is securing the border, a hallmark issue for Trump and his supporters. Perry expressed confidence that with the CR in place, Republicans can focus on passing legislation to provide Homan and other border officials with "all the money they need" to strengthen border security. He also underscored the importance of extending and expanding the Trump-era tax cuts of 2017, which he believes are critical to boosting economic growth and reducing inflation. "The president said he wants to start balancing the budget. It’s not going to happen in one year, but we got to get on the path to that. And it means making some hard choices," Perry said.
The congressman acknowledged that achieving these goals will require tough decisions and a willingness to slash wasteful spending. However, he expressed optimism that with a unified Republican strategy and President Trump’s leadership, the party can make significant progress in the coming months. Perry also emphasized the importance of codifying Trump’s agenda into law to prevent future administrations from reversing these policies. By focusing on these key priorities, Perry believes Republicans can build a compelling case for voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, positioning themselves as the party of fiscal responsibility and conservative governance.
The Broader Implications of the CR
The passage of the CR is more than just a short-term fiscal maneuver; it reflects a broader shift in the Republican Party’s approach to governance under President Trump. By rejecting the omnibus bill and embracing the CR, conservatives are signaling their determination to break with the status quo of bloated spending and return to a more disciplined approach to federal appropriations. Perry’s comments on The Alex Marlow Show highlight the growing influence of the House Freedom Caucus and other conservative factions within the Republican Party, who are no longer willing to accept business-as-usual in Washington.
Moreover, the CR underscores the importance of President Trump’s role in shaping the Republican agenda. Perry repeatedly credited Trump with taking decisive action to block wasteful spending and advance conservative priorities, emphasizing the historic opportunity that conservatives now have to work with a president who shares their vision. At the same time, the CR serves as a reminder of the challenges Republicans face in achieving their goals, from opposition within their own ranks to the inevitable battles with Democratic lawmakers. Despite these obstacles, Perry expressed confidence that conservatives are on the right track, both fiscally and politically.
A Path Forward for Conservatives
In the end, the stop-gap CR represents a critical step in the Republican Party’s strategy to reduce government spending, secure the border, and restore fiscal accountability. By avoiding the pitfalls of the omnibus bill and leveraging the CR to their advantage, conservatives are positioning themselves to make meaningful progress on their key priorities. As Perry noted, the CR is not a permanent solution, but it provides a much-needed breathing room for Republicans to focus on advancing Trump’s agenda and preparing for the 2026 elections.
While the road ahead will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, Perry’s remarks suggest a renewed sense of optimism and purpose among conservatives. With a clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, Republicans believe they can deliver real results for the American people and set the stage for long-term success. As Perry and his allies continue to push for a more streamlined and accountable federal government, the passage of the CR stands as a testament to the power of conservative determination in shaping the direction of the country.
