Johnson faces first test in averting shutdown amid conservative resistance

Speaker Mike Johnson Faces First Leadership ⁤Test⁢ as ‌Government Funding Deadline Approaches

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is about ⁤to face a critical moment in his leadership as he seeks to pass​ his temporary spending plan through the House. This situation mirrors the challenges his‌ predecessor encountered, which ultimately led to his removal from office.

The House is scheduled to vote on Johnson’s proposed continuing resolution on Tuesday. This​ resolution aims to maintain current spending levels without any cuts and extend ⁤the appropriations deadline until early⁣ next year. Johnson’s approach involves setting two separate deadlines for the 12 annual appropriations⁢ bills, with some bills extended until January 19 and the remaining bills extended until February 2.

Speaker Johnson-Aligned Groups Raise $16 Million ‍in ‍Just 10 Days

The vote comes just days before federal ‍funding is set to expire on Friday. If lawmakers fail to pass legislation to continue current spending levels or reach another spending agreement, the government will face a temporary shutdown.

However, several House Republicans have already expressed opposition‍ to Johnson’s plan. They object to his proposal of maintaining the spending levels set by Democrats last year without implementing any budgetary cuts. At least eight GOP lawmakers have stated that they will vote against the ⁤continuing resolution, putting Johnson in a difficult position due to his slim majority in the House.

Unless Johnson can rely on Democrats to support the measure, he can only afford⁣ to lose three Republican votes. House‍ Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has made it clear that ​Democrats have no intention of voting for the rule, indicating that enough Republicans have already announced their opposition to potentially block the legislation.

To navigate this⁢ challenge, Johnson plans to bring the bill to the floor under suspension, as‍ stated ⁤in​ House ⁣Majority Steve Scalise’s (R-LA) daily schedule. This strategy​ allows Johnson to avoid the spending package being defeated in a procedural rules vote and ​expedite the process for a full vote.

However, passing legislation under suspension of the ​rules‍ requires a two-thirds majority. This means Johnson would need the support of over 70 Democrats to back the continuing resolution. Ironically, a similar scenario occurred when the House passed its⁢ continuing resolution in September, resulting in Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) loss of the speaker’s gavel.

A senior ⁣GOP aide expressed skepticism about blindly voting to maintain Nancy‌ Pelosi’s spending levels with a clean continuing resolution, even with a new speaker who conservatives are more likely to trust. Some Republicans, like Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), strongly oppose the strategy ‌of‌ suspending the rules to extend spending for a short period without addressing the significant amount of⁤ money involved.

It⁣ remains uncertain ‌whether Democrats are willing to support⁣ Johnson’s plan. Democratic leaders have indicated that they are still evaluating the continuing resolution proposal and discussing it ⁢with members. However, they have expressed concerns about the bifurcation of the resolution in January and February 2024 and the failure to address national security and domestic supplemental funding priorities.

Meanwhile, the‌ Senate has ‌decided not ⁤to proceed‌ with its own continuing resolution proposal, suggesting ⁢a ‌growing consensus among Democrats to‍ support Johnson’s plan as long as it maintains current ⁣spending levels and avoids any policy riders.

Although‌ the House bill is likely the only option to prevent a government shutdown, doubts remain about Congress’s ability⁢ to pass appropriations bills in time to avoid​ a mini-shutdown on ⁣January 19.

If ​Congress fails to pass‍ the appropriations bills within the necessary timeframe, ⁢Johnson has stated that he will‌ implement⁤ a year-long stop-gap measure involving an 8% cut across the board to non-defense spending. However, many members doubt the measure’s chances of ‍passing both chambers, which could lead to a long-term shutdown,‌ an omnibus bill, or another short-term continuing resolution.

Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.

How is Speaker Johnson planning to maintain current spending levels ⁢without ⁢making cuts?

, Johnson’s plan to maintain current spending levels without cuts may be a deterrent for some Democrats who want more funding for specific programs.

Despite the challenges, ⁤Speaker Johnson and his allies are not backing down. Speaker Johnson-aligned groups have reportedly raised $16 million in just 10 days to fund a substantial advertising campaign in ⁣support of his temporary ⁣spending plan. The hope is that these advertisements will sway public opinion and put pressure on⁣ lawmakers to support Johnson’s proposal.

Moreover, Johnson has been actively lobbying his Republican colleagues, ⁤urging them to vote in favor‌ of the continuing resolution. He argues that it ⁢is crucial to ​avoid a government shutdown and that any disagreements over spending levels ⁣can ⁢be addressed in future budget negotiations. Johnson has also emphasized the need for unity‍ within the Republican Party, especially in these challenging times.

As the government funding deadline approaches, all eyes will​ be on Speaker Mike Johnson. This first‌ major test of his leadership will determine ‌not only the fate of the‍ temporary spending plan but‍ also​ the future course of his‌ speakership. The outcome of this ‍vote ⁣will indicate whether Johnson can effectively navigate the divisions within his own party and maintain enough⁢ support to pass ⁢critical legislation.

Should Johnson fail to secure enough ‌votes, it will not only be a setback for his speakership but also further ​exacerbate the already strained relationship between Republicans and Democrats. It ⁣is​ imperative for‍ Johnson ⁤to demonstrate his​ ability to lead and find common ground among his colleagues to prevent a government shutdown and ⁢ensure stability​ in the country.

In the coming days, Speaker Mike ⁤Johnson will face intense ‌pressure and scrutiny from both sides ‍of the aisle. The outcome ​of this leadership test will not​ only affect his political future but also have significant implications for the functioning of the ​government and the well-being of the American people.

Only time will tell whether Speaker Johnson can rise to the occasion and successfully navigate this critical moment in his leadership. As the deadline approaches, all lawmakers must prioritize the interests of ⁢the nation and work together to ⁤find a solution that ensures the continuity of government ‍operations and serves the best interests of the ⁤American people.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases