House GOP unhappy with Speaker Mike Johnson’s choice to delay legislation until ‘disastrous’ 2024
House Republicans Displeased with Speaker Mike Johnson’s Decision to Delay Must-Pass Legislation
House Republicans are not happy with Speaker Mike Johnson’s choice to postpone crucial legislation until next year, leaving a tight timeframe to prevent a government shutdown and ensure the continuity of key programs in 2024.
Major Topics Delayed
The House has pushed back important matters that were supposed to be addressed this year, such as the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, government funding, and the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Agency.
Four Reasons Speaker Mike Johnson Might Struggle in 2024
“I’m just super happy to be here with all we’re accomplishing,” sarcastically remarked one GOP House member.
Regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Johnson’s stance took an unexpected turn. He initially stated that he wouldn’t include a short-term extension of FISA in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but ultimately did so. Defending his position, Johnson claimed that he hadn’t changed his mind on FISA and emphasized the need to proceed cautiously. However, some members are upset with Johnson for including the short-term extension in the NDAA and would have preferred the House to remain in session until a resolution was reached.
“It’s upsetting to me,” expressed Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL). “You can see the kind of trickery of D.C. where they try and attach FISA to the NDAA. That way, they can put you into that situation where if you vote against it, ’Oh, you hate our military.’ Or if you vote for it, ‘Oh, you hate individual privacy.’ So these [are] poison pills.”
Mills further emphasized the need for the House to stay in session and accomplish tasks rather than taking an early recess or break.
The NDAA passed overwhelmingly on the last day the House was in session this year, causing dissatisfaction among many.
“He needs to acclimate,” stated Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), a member of the Freedom Caucus, referring to Johnson. “I think I’m just going to be blunt; I think some of his staff is not looking at this thing the way it should be. And I’ve voiced my disagreements with staff on some of these issues.”
Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), the newly elected chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment in House leadership’s handling of crucial legislation, particularly government funding.
Unfulfilled Promises
In November, Congress passed a two-step continuing resolution, much to the dissatisfaction of many members. They were assured that this would prompt Congress to work on appropriations bills and collaborate with the Senate to prevent a lapse in government funding by January 19 or February 2. However, this has not been the case.
Since passing the continuing resolution, the House has been in session for three weeks without passing a single appropriations bill, and neither has the Senate. Additionally, the two chambers have not agreed on a top-line number for appropriators.
“We have made very little effort to pass appropriations bills ever since the CR was passed, so I’m disappointed about that,” expressed Good. “I don’t know what the plan is come Jan. 19. I don’t know what our commitment is to reduce spending year over year, which we absolutely must do, no matter how modest that might be.”
This situation creates a scramble when the House reconvenes on January 9 to pass the first set of four appropriations bills expiring on January 19, leaving Congress with only eight days in session to do so.
“The key decisions he’ll have in the first quarter of next year should have been made five weeks ago or four weeks ago,” revealed a senior House Republican. “And the longer the speaker takes, the more disastrous the first quarter will be.”
Johnson placed the blame on the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, stating that they are awaiting the Senate to present a number that both chambers can agree upon.
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What are the implications of delaying the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) on air travel safety and the efficient functioning of the aviation industry
That process.”
In addition to the FISA issue, there are other concerns regarding Johnson’s decision to delay must-pass legislation and its potential impact on key programs in 2024.
The postponement of government funding raises serious concerns about the possibility of a government shutdown. As the current funding deadline approaches, there is limited time for negotiations and compromise to avoid such a scenario. This delay puts essential government programs and services at risk, causing frustration among House Republicans.
Furthermore, the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) has been delayed, which has implications for air travel safety and the efficient functioning of the aviation industry. This important matter should not be neglected or postponed, yet Johnson’s decision leaves it hanging until next year.
A Need for Effective Leadership
The handling of these crucial matters raises questions about Speaker Mike Johnson’s ability to effectively lead the House. As a representative of the Republican Party, Johnson’s decisions and actions carry significant weight and impact the party’s standing. Therefore, it is essential for him to prioritize the timely and efficient resolution of critical issues.
House Republicans are calling for stronger leadership and a more proactive approach to addressing key legislation. They argue that delaying must-pass bills only creates a sense of uncertainty and instability, both within the party and among the general public.
Implications for 2024
The dissatisfaction among House Republicans regarding Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to delay must-pass legislation could have far-reaching implications for the upcoming year. If key programs face interruptions or shutdowns due to delayed legislation, it could negatively impact the party’s reputation and electoral prospects in the 2024 elections.
Additionally, the delays in addressing crucial matters create a sense of frustration and disillusionment among House Republicans. This could lead to internal divisions and further weaken the party’s unity, hindering its ability to effectively advance its agenda and secure policy victories.
In conclusion
House Republicans are displeased with Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to delay must-pass legislation until next year. This delay leaves little time to prevent a government shutdown and ensure the continuity of key programs in 2024. With major topics like FISA reauthorization, government funding, and the FAA’s reauthorization being postponed, concerns about effective leadership and the party’s electoral prospects in 2024 are raised. House Republicans are calling for a more proactive approach and stronger leadership to address critical legislation in a timely and efficient manner.
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