Colorado Republican Representative Ken Buck, a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, anticipates a potential clash over government spending, expressing doubts about House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's pledge to avoid an omnibus bill. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Buck reflected on his eight and a half years in Congress, observing a recurring pattern of leadership promises to handle appropriations through 12 separate bills, only to revert to a large omnibus package due to Senate inaction.

McCarthy's key promise upon becoming Speaker was to eschew the omnibus approach, opting instead for individual spending bills. However, Buck foresees a different outcome, predicting a continuing resolution by September 30th that would temporarily extend current spending levels for several weeks. He believes this will create pressure to pass a comprehensive spending bill during the holiday season, leveraging concerns about federal worker furloughs to secure votes.

Buck was among the conservatives who challenged McCarthy's debt ceiling compromise with President Biden, even participating in a week-long halt of House proceedings to protest the debt deal's handling. Although McCarthy reportedly agreed to maintain 2022 spending levels to resolve the standoff, Buck remains skeptical, stating that adhering to those figures is unlikely. He anticipates a substantial spending bill in December and expresses "little faith" in leadership's commitment to fiscal restraint.

While Buck refrained from detailing specific actions he and other GOP members might take, he hinted at potential "disappointment" and the possibility of spontaneous floor disruptions. He also addressed the potential for a government shutdown if Congress fails to reach a spending agreement, preemptively attributing blame to Democrats should such a scenario unfold. Buck emphasized the inevitability of a shutdown at some point, advocating for spending cuts and suggesting that Democrats would be responsible if their refusal to cooperate triggers a shutdown.