The ghost of Kevin McCarthy is lingering over the House GOP’s impending big legislative battle.

Even though he hasn’t been in Congress for almost six months, former California House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s shadow still hangs over the House of Representatives as members prepare for yet another contentious government funding battle.

In exchange for federal spending limitations for the ensuing two fiscal years, McCarthy last year agreed to suspend the U.S. debt limit through January 2025. This agreement, known as the Fiscal Responsibility Act, was made with President Biden. It stipulates that in fiscal year 2025, the growth of discretionary government funding can only exceed 1%.

Now, House appropriators are trying to figure out how to go around that cap without significantly affecting Defense and Homeland Security funding. Negotiators should adhere to the statutory cap, which is approximately $1.606, according to fiscal conservatives.