House Republican hardliners want to block a permanent budget deal, which could trigger automatic spending cuts under the Fiscal Responsibility Act in April. The first government funding deadline is Friday, and the second is March 8th, risking a partial or full government shutdown. Biden is meeting congressional leaders today about the budget impasse. The Freedom Caucus wants to extend short-term funding through the fiscal year, ensuring the FRA cuts occur. Automatic cuts could subtract $4 billion initially and shift billions between defense and non-defense spending.