House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a “two-step†temporary spending plan on Saturday in an effort to avert a government shutdown looming next weekend. However, his proposal has already encountered sharp criticism from some conservatives, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Chip Roy, as well as the White House.
In a written statement, Johnson emphasized that his plan aimed to break the tradition of last-minute, holiday-season omnibus spending bills, stating, “This will stop the absurd holiday-season omnibus tradition of massive, loaded-up spending bills introduced right before the Christmas recess.â€
The current spending plan is set to expire at midnight on Friday, and the potential shutdown hinges on the ability of House Republicans to reach an agreement that also secures approval from President Joe Biden and the Democratic Senate.
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Johnson’s proposed “laddered CR†(continuing resolution) is a unique approach to extending funding levels and keeping the government running while Congress negotiates the federal budget for the upcoming year. The two-step plan would extend operations until Jan. 19 for some agencies and until Feb. 2 for others.
Almost immediately after the announcement, objections were raised by some Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who voiced her concerns on social media, listing several issues she found objectionable, including “NO MONEY TO UKRAINE! CLOSE THE BORDER! STOP THE WEAPONIZED GOVERNMENT! IMPEACH BIDEN, MAYORKAS, WRAY, GARLAND, AND GRAVES!â€
Rep. Chip Roy, another staunch conservative, expressed his opposition on social media, emphasizing that a “clean†continuing resolution was unacceptable, describing it as “funding Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days – for future ‘promises.'â€
Internal dissent within House Republicans has been evident, with conflicting views on how to proceed. Some argue for major spending cuts, a stance unlikely to gain approval from Biden and the Senate.
The White House criticized Johnson’s plan, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “This proposal is just a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdowns – full stop.†She accused House Republicans of “wasting precious time with an unserious proposal that has been panned by members of both parties.â€
The fate of Johnson’s two-step plan remains uncertain, with questions lingering over whether enough House Republicans will back the proposal during negotiations for long-term spending plans. Johnson issued his statement following a House Republican conference call, asserting that the plan positions Republicans “in the best position to fight for fiscal responsibility, oversight over Ukraine aid, and meaningful policy changes at our southern border.â€
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