" Thune explained that it would allow lawmakers sufficient time to process the 12 remaining appropriations bills and complete negotiations without the pressure of imminent deadlines.

Thune noted that it would be "unrealistic" to expect Congress to finish this work before the upcoming deadlines, especially since the topline funding levels were only agreed upon this week. Appropriators are just beginning the challenging task of negotiating the individual bills that allocate funds to different government sectors.

The Congress had passed stopgap legislation late last year, extending government funding until January 19 for select departments, such as military construction, veterans' affairs, transportation, housing, and the Energy Department. For the rest of the government, funding is extended until February 2.

Thune's suggestion of a continuing resolution, however, may spark a clash with Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican-controlled House. In November, Johnson had pledged to no longer support short-term CRs.

Thune emphasized that progress could be made on some of the bills that the Senate has already started processing. He expressed frustration with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's management of the floor, calling for the introduction of some of the bills onto the floor. Thune argued that time is being wasted when it could be utilized for a regular appropriations process.

In addition, Thune warned against a government shutdown, stating that no one emerges as a winner from such an outcome. He argued, "We've never seen any political or policy gain come out of a government shutdown."

Regarding the issue of border security policy, Thune expressed confidence in reaching a deal eventually. However, he suggested that such a deal is unlikely before resolving the government funding issues.

Over the weekend, Schumer and Johnson announced an agreement on topline spending numbers, marking the initial step in funding the federal government. Yet, some far-right members of the House GOP criticized the deal, pressing for border policy changes in exchange for avoiding a shutdown. This situation poses a challenge for Johnson, who leads an exceptionally narrow majority.

Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia echoed Thune's sentiment, stating that a short-term continuing resolution might be necessary, provided that work continues on the appropriations bills. She criticized House Republicans who are threatening a government shutdown to advance their border legislation, asserting that a shutdown leads to nowhere.

Another Republican, Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas, concurred with the need for a stopgap spending resolution and even warned that it might need to be extended until the end of the fiscal year.

"I think it'd be next to impossible to do anything but a CR," Marshall emphasized.

As Congress continues to navigate the complex task of funding the government, the pressure to reach an agreement before the looming deadlines intensifies. The possibility of a short-term CR into March seems to be gaining traction as lawmakers seek to avoid the detrimental consequences of a government shutdown.