House Republicans are considering extending the government shutdown by pushing for a longer stopgap funding agreement, as the current pause in operations enters its fourth week. Initially, a seven-week spending bill was drafted to give Congress a window to negotiate a long-term solution, but as the deadline nears, the urgency for a resolution has increased. GOP leaders are now debating whether to allow more time for a long-term deal, with some advocating for a lengthy Continuing Resolution (CR) extending into 2026. However, the debate has sparked internal divisions, with some Republicans preferring a shorter timeline, arguing that it would avoid prolonging the deadlock and hinder legislative momentum. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has raised the possibility of a long-term extension, but Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins remains cautious, expressing opposition to a long-term CR. The situation is further complicated by stalled bipartisan talks, with Democrats reluctant to agree to a long-term funding extension without assurances that key provisions like the Affordable Care Act subsidies will be maintained. While some Senate Republicans have tentatively opened the door to an extended deadline, the party remains divided on the best path forward, with many reluctant to go beyond 2025, fearing that the political stalemate could undermine legislative momentum and hinder the passage of new legislation.