House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a critical challenge as his short-term spending bill is rejected, forcing him to seek Democratic support to keep the government funded.
At a Glance
- House Rules Committee declines to advance Johnson’s three-month continuing resolution
- Speaker now needs Democratic votes to pass the measure, requiring a two-thirds majority
- Republican infighting, particularly from the party’s right flank, complicates funding efforts
- Government shutdown looms with less than two weeks until the deadline
House Rules Committee Rejects Spending Bill
In a surprising turn of events, the House Rules Committee has declined to vote on Speaker Mike Johnson’s short-term spending bill, designed to prevent a government shutdown. This unusual move signals significant opposition within the Republican ranks and forces Johnson to seek Democratic support to keep the government funded.
The proposed three-month continuing resolution (CR) would fund the government through December 20, but its rejection by the committee means it will now require a two-thirds majority to pass on the House floor. This development underscores the deep divisions within the Republican party and the challenges Johnson faces in his role as Speaker.
After sidestepping the House Rules Committee, Speaker Mike Johnson will have to rely on Democrats to pass a short-term funding bill. https://t.co/ePTuBPqwco
— WJZ | CBS Baltimore (@wjz) September 24, 2024
Speaker’s Strategy Shift
With his initial plan thwarted, Johnson is now compelled to court Democratic votes, a strategy that may strain his relationships with conservative Republicans. The slim Republican majority in the House makes bipartisan support essential for passing any funding measure.
“While this is not the solution any of us prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances,” Johnson wrote in a letter to colleagues. “As history has taught and current polling affirms, shutting the government down less than 40 days from a fateful election would be an act of political malpractice.”
This shift in approach comes after the failure of Johnson’s previous six-month CR proposal, which included controversial voter ID provisions. That measure was rejected by the House with a vote of 202 in favor and 220 opposed, highlighting the challenges of navigating the current political landscape.
Criticism and Controversy
The proposed CR has faced criticism from within the Republican party. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) expressed concerns about the timing of the bill, suggesting it was designed to pressure lawmakers around the holiday season.
“Why Christmas? So he can pressure Members to vote for a bill they haven’t read, by using their desire to see their families on Christmas Eve against them,” Massie stated, highlighting the internal discord within the Republican caucus.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, former President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to support the bill only if it includes voting measures, further complicating Johnson’s efforts to secure bipartisan support.
NEW: House rejects Speaker Mike Johnson's short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. Vote was 202-220 (2 present) Fourteen Republicans voted against it. Shutdown deadline is Oct. 1.
— Mitchell Miller (@mmillerwtop) September 18, 2024
Looming Deadline and Next Steps
With less than two weeks until a potential government shutdown, lawmakers are scrambling for alternatives. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise plans to bring the CR to a vote on Wednesday, despite the lack of committee approval. The bill will now require a suspension of House rules, significantly raising the bar for passage.
Senate involvement is likely to increase, with potential for a Senate-led funding proposal. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation, stating, “It’s the only thing that’s kept the government open every time we have faced a funding deadline. That’s what we’re willing and happy to do. And the clock is ticking.”
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Speaker Johnson and his ability to navigate these treacherous political waters. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a government shutdown can be averted and how the balance of power in Congress may shift in response to this funding crisis.
Sources:
- House Rules Committee nixes vote on short-term spending bill after GOP opposition
- House rejects GOP plan to extend government funding, sending Johnson back to drawing board
- House Defeats Johnson’s Spending Plan With Shutdown Looming
- House GOP swerves around conservative opposition for stopgap spending bill
- House Rules Committee nixes vote on short-term spending bill after GOP opposition
- House Republicans move to avoid government shutdown amid intraparty opposition
