4 Texas Republicans join ultraconservatives to sink GOP attempt to keep federal government open

Four Texas Republicans voted against legislation Friday to keep the government funded, joining a group of far-right representatives to sink House Republicans’ long-shot attempt to prevent a federal government shutdown this weekend.

U.S. Reps. Michael Cloud of Victoria, Wesley Hunt of Houston, Troy Nehls of Richmond and Keith Self of McKinney voted against the funding bill.

The legislation could have kept the government open for another 30 days to allow Congress to finish passing appropriations legislation for the fiscal year that begins Sunday. It also would have slashed funding for a large share of federal programs by 30 percent and added border hardening measures that Republicans have long sought.

But far-right representatives said the legislation did not do enough for their priorities, including ramping up immigration enforcement at the border and gutting spending for Justice Department investigations into former President Donald Trump. Several members opposed any kind of temporary spending measure, preferring instead to pass yearlong appropriations bills.