House conservatives, including prominent figures like Ben Carson and Christian leaders, are organizing a prayer event to seek an end to political violence and resolve the ongoing government shutdown. The event, co-hosted by the Family Research Council, brings together House Freedom Caucus members, former Trump Cabinet officials, and activists from Turning Point USA, including Frank Turek. The prayer call is part of a broader effort to promote unity and address the escalating crisis, which has now reached its 30th day. The event also includes prayers for President Donald Trump, Congress, and peace for Israel, reflecting the deep concerns of the Republican side.
Despite repeated attempts to pass a continuing resolution, the Senate has stalled the GOP’s efforts, with Democrats demanding additional provisions such as extended Obamacare subsidies. The situation remains deadlocked, with no clear resolution in sight as the fiscal standoff continues. The event, which is slated for Thursday, comes amid the ongoing government shutdown, which has already disrupted federal operations and affected many government workers. The prayer call is seen as an attempt to rally support for a resolution and to highlight the need for compromise in a deeply polarized political climate.
The Republicans are pushing for a short-term extension of fiscal year (FY) 2025 federal spending levels called a continuing resolution (CR), aimed at giving congressional negotiators more time to strike a more enduring deal for FY2026, which began on Oct. 1. The GOP bill also included some $88 million in increased security spending for Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court, given the heightened political threat environment. This has led to further frustration among the Democrats, who argue that such provisions are unnecessary and that the focus should be on addressing the fiscal issues faced by the government and its workers.
Meanwhile, the prayer event also highlights the impact of the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, which has added to the sense of political violence and urgency within the conservative community. The event is seen as both a response to this tragedy and a call to action for unity and a resolution to the shutdown. As the situation continues to escalate, the prayer event may serve as a symbolic gesture, but the real challenge lies in finding a bipartisan solution to the fiscal deadlock that has gripped the nation.