Freedom Caucus Chair Harris says GOP shouldn't trigger government shutdown now, maybe in December

New House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., said Thursday that he doesn't support a government shutdown currently but could be open to one in December. 

"A month before the election it's probably not a good idea to put it on the table," Harris said, referencing a shutdown, on the "John Solomon Reports" podcast. "It's a negotiating tactic. I think that situation changes as you get into December."

He explained that if Republicans keep the House, win a majority in the Senate and take back the White House, they will have leverage to potentially use a government shutdown to get some things done. 

On Wednesday, the GOP-led House failed to pass a continuing resolution that had the SAVE Act attached to it in a 202-220 vote. 

Elected officials have until midnight on Sep. 30 to pass a budget to fund the government or pass a continuing resolution, otherwise a shutdown will occur. 

"I believe that leverage is leverage that absolutely can be used in December, and I think probably should be used in December," Harris said. 

He later added that while he agreed with former President Donald Trump on most things, he did not support a shutdown. Trump said that if the continuing resolution attached with the SAVE Act, the government should shut down.