Republican hard-liners pose challenge for newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan to avert government shutdown
The House is facing an imminent government shutdown as newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson tries to push through a funding measure to keep the government running. However, enough of Johnson’s Republican hard-liners have indicated they will oppose the plan, forcing him to rely on Democratic votes to pass it.
Six Republicans – Reps. Bob Good of Virginia, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Chip Roy of Texas, George Santos of New York and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania – have publicly declared that they will not support Johnson’s plan. With a slim GOP majority in the House, Johnson can only afford to lose a small number of Republican votes if all members are present.
Johnson’s proposal, described as a “laddered CR” or continuing resolution that would keep the government funded at 2023 levels, faces criticism from members of his own party as well as some Democrats. Despite the support from Senate leadership, not all Democrats are on board with Johnson’s plan.
The proposal has also been panned by some members of his own party, such as Rep. Bob Good of Virginia, who criticized the plan for containing no spending reductions, no border security, and no policy wins for the American people.
With the looming government shutdown, Johnson will have to navigate the challenges of working with members from both parties to keep the government running. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to secure enough votes to pass the funding measure and avert a shutdown.