Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are turning to a new strategy to prevent a government shutdown. With the deadline approaching, Republicans have failed to advance legislation to keep the government running. Instead, they are proposing four separate spending bills that include deep cuts favored by the party’s right flank. However, these bills are expected to be rejected by the Democratic-controlled Senate as they do not meet the spending levels outlined in a previous deal with President Biden. The White House has stated that President Biden would veto two of the proposed bills. Despite the unlikelihood of these bills becoming law, the House may still vote on them to gain leverage in negotiations with the Senate. Speaker Kevin McCarthy hopes that passing the spending bills could allow for the advancement of a stop-gap funding bill to keep the government running through October 31. However, some hard-right Republicans have expressed opposition to this idea. If Congress does not agree on spending levels, various government activities could be curtailed. The House Rules Committee has met to consider the four bills, which would fund the military, homeland security, agriculture programs, the State Department, and other foreign operations for the full fiscal year. Republicans, who hold a narrow majority, cannot afford many defections. Earlier, the House blocked a procedural vote on a defense spending bill, with five Republicans joining Democrats to oppose it. Former President Donald Trump, the potential Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, has expressed support for a government shutdown. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, has scheduled a vote for a stopgap funding bill. The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for Speaker McCarthy, as his decision to bring it up for a vote in the House could enrage far-right Republicans and potentially lead to his removal as Speaker.