House and Senate Republicans came in with two main jobs: Helene relief and a budget. They're failing on both.

With two days left before summer recess, House and Senate Republicans are far apart on key spending priorities, including Helene relief and a watered-down budget.

North Carolina Rep. Donny Lambeth (left) and Sen. Ralph Hise (right) are spatting over so-called “mini budgets.” The top budget negotiators aren’t holding out hope for a resolution.

North Carolina lawmakers are on track to leave for summer recess having failed to deliver on their two most critical priorities: a second Helene recovery package and a new state budget.

On Tuesday, the House and Senate advanced conflicting “mini budgets”— proposals that are a fraction of the size as their original spending plans.

In a sign of just how badly budget talks have derailed, the two chambers took votes on Tuesday showing their respective chambers at odds over something all members agree on: supporting Western North Carolina in its recovery from Hurricane Helene.

Despite strong bipartisan support for helping the Asheville region recover and GOP agreement on a handful of spending priorities, House and Senate Republicans are dangerously close to fulfilling neither of the top priorities they were sent to Raleigh to get done.