House Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposed spending bill hits a major roadblock with mounting resistance from within GOP ranks.
At a Glance
- House Speaker Mike Johnson faces opposition to his government funding plan ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline.
- Johnson’s proposal includes the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, but it faces significant opposition.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries views the SAVE Act as a “poison pill.”
- Former President Donald Trump urged Republicans to shut down the government unless election security concerns are addressed.
GOP Resistance Fueling Political Turmoil
House Speaker Mike Johnson faces significant opposition from within his own party over his proposed spending bill. The resistance comes at a critical time, with the Oct. 1 deadline for government funding rapidly approaching. Johnson’s plan, which includes the SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, has not been well-received among some GOP members.
Even some of the hard-line conservatives in the House argue that the proposal maintains current spending levels, which they believe are too high. Rep. Thomas Massie is among those opposed, stating his concerns about national debt.
The full proposal, a six-month stopgap funding measure extending federal funding through March 28 2025, has been met with skepticism. Johnson’s proposal includes a $1.6 trillion budget, but members returning from the summer recess express doubt over its feasibility.
Johnson remains optimistic about reaching a resolution despite the mounting opposition. He pulled the funding bill from the floor vote schedule for further discussion. Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Johnson noted, “That’s what you do. That’s what I’ve been doing since I became speaker. We’re having thoughtful conversations and family conversations within the Republican conference, and I believe we’ll get there.”
Trump’s Influence on the GOP Debate
Adding to the complexity of this scenario is former President Donald Trump’s call for Republicans to demand “absolute assurances on election security” before agreeing to any continuing resolution on the budget. Trump’s influence among GOP lawmakers has further intensified the debate, with his strong stance urging a government shutdown if assurances are not provided.
Rep. Joe Wilson’s hospitalization also complicates the voting dynamics. While Wilson’s absence is temporary, it significantly impacts the narrow margin Johnson must navigate to secure votes for his bill.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has dubbed the SAVE Act a “poison pill” that contradicts previous agreements made with Republicans. This sentiment is echoed by many Democrats who are united in their opposition to extending the government stopgap funding into March 2025.
GOP rebellion puts Mike Johnson's spending plan on notice https://t.co/3fp5XTA3sg
— Axios (@axios) September 10, 2024
Internal GOP Conflicts and the Path Forward
Johnson’s leadership and ability to negotiate within his party will be put to the test. With nearly a dozen GOP lawmakers publicly opposing the continuing resolution due to national security and fiscal concerns, Johnson has a tough road ahead. He can afford to lose only four GOP votes for the bill to pass, underscoring the narrow margin in the House.
“No one should worry — I believe we can get this job done,” Johnson told Axios‘ Juliegrace Brufke shortly after arriving at the Capitol.
Furthermore, notable Republican opponents, including Reps. Beth Van Duyne, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Wesley Hunt, have voiced strong reservations. Johnson’s proposal must address these concerns to garner the necessary support to avoid a government shutdown.
Economic Impact of a Potential Government Shutdown
The stakes are high, and the economic impact of a government shutdown is substantial. Many Republicans are concerned about how a shutdown could harm their reelection chances. Johnson’s efforts to build consensus and find a path forward are crucial for both the country’s economic stability and the GOP’s political future.
“If Republicans in the House, and Senate, don’t get absolute assurances on election security, they should, in no way, shape, or form, go forward with a continuing resolution on the budget.”, said Johnson
As deadlines draw near, Johnson’s ability to navigate this complex landscape will determine the outcome.
