In a significant move to prevent a government shutdown, the House of Representatives, under the leadership of the new Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, voted decisively on Tuesday for a temporary funding plan that required collaboration across party lines.
Facing internal dissent from hard-right conservatives within his party, Johnson’s proposal to extend government funding into the new year received bipartisan support, with a 336-95 tally. However, 93 Republicans opposed the plan, marking the first instance where the newly appointed speaker had to navigate internal divisions to pass crucial legislation.
Unlike his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, who faced similar challenges and ultimately lost his position, Johnson exhibited a willingness to collaborate with Democrats to secure passage, leaving behind dissenting members of his own party.
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Johnson, hailing from Louisiana, outlined his commitment to ensuring the government’s continued operation at a news conference in the Capitol on Tuesday: “Making sure that government stays in operation is a matter of conscience for all of us. We owe that to the American people.”
The Republican leader’s proposal introduces a unique two-part process that funds certain federal agencies until Jan. 19 and others until Feb. 2, a strategy criticized by some as peculiar. The continuing resolution (CR) lacks the deep cuts demanded by conservatives throughout the year and excludes President Joe Biden’s request for nearly $106 billion in supplemental funds for Ukraine, Israel, border security, and other priorities.
“We’re not surrendering,” Johnson asserted after a closed-door meeting with House Republicans, emphasizing his commitment to future spending cuts. “But you have to choose fights you can win.”
Despite facing opposition from hardline conservatives, Johnson expressed confidence that this approach positions House Republicans for deeper spending cuts in the new year. However, skepticism remains within the party about the efficacy of this strategy.
Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, criticized the funding bill, stating, “It’s crap,” and warned of taking the House floor hostage if all appropriations bills are not passed by the deadlines.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged in a letter that the GOP package met Democratic demands by maintaining funding at current levels without steep reductions or controversial Republican policy priorities. Jeffries emphasized the potential negative impact of a federal shutdown, stating it “would hurt the economy, our national security and everyday Americans.”
The Senate, with a slim Democratic majority, signaled its willingness to accept Johnson’s package before the looming deadline. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell expressed support for the House package, calling it “a solution” and expecting bipartisan approval in Congress.
However, McConnell highlighted the remaining work to address Biden’s requests for U.S. military aid, particularly for Ukraine and Israel, as well as other needs. Efforts are underway in the Senate to develop a separate package for overseas wars and border security.
If approved, the continuing resolution would mark a less-than-triumphant conclusion to the House GOP’s first year in the majority, with internal divisions hindering efforts to implement conservative spending priorities. The legislation also extends farm bill programs through September, a crucial win for farm-state lawmakers.
As the political landscape evolves, the coming months will determine whether Johnson’s strategy sets the tone for House Republicans’ approach to budget negotiations and conservative priorities in the new year.
