Mike Johnson's plan to thwart government shutdown draws Republican opposition

Though he has only been holding the House speaker's gavel for a short time, Rep. Mike Johnson may be on the cusp of having to say goodbye to a spending proposal he hoped would stave off a government shutdown, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Almost as soon as the details of Johnson's plan were revealed, a number of Republicans stepped forward to voice their opposition, putting the two-part continuing resolution in jeopardy.

Johnson touts plan

According to Fox News, Johnson's short-term spending plan is comprised of a two-step mechanism that would provide funding for portions of the government until Jan. 19 and until Feb. 2 for the rest.

The continuing resolution (CR) has garnered support from certain corners, particularly among those who believe it would apply needed pressure on the legislature to achieve budgeting goals in stages.

Notably, the plan put forth by Johnson does not include new funding for Israel or Ukraine, though it provides an extension of funding for programs under the umbrella of the Farm Bill, also slated to expire this year.

A key reason for the structure of the plan, according to Johnson, is to avoid the often-seen December push to pass hasty stopgap legislation just before the holidays, which he referred to as the “Christmas omnibus spending monstrosity.”

“This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories,” Johnson explained.

He added, “Separating out the CR from the supplemental funding debates placecs our conference in the best position to fight for fiscal responsibility, oversight over Ukraine aid, and meaningful policy changes at our Southern border.”

Detractors emerge

However, the path to passage for Johnson's proposal has grown narrower since the moment it was introduced, with Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) making his position clear right off the bat.

“My opposition to the clean CR just announced by the Speaker to the @HouseGOP cannot be overstated. Funding Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days – for future 'promises,'” Roy wrote on X.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared to agree, noting on X, “I voted NO to both CRs before and I'm voting NO to this clean CR. We need to finish [appropriations] and the Senate needs to do their job.”

Unsurprisingly, the White House also expressed disapproval, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “This proposal is just a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdowns – full stop,” and given the unease on both sides of the aisle, it appears that Johnson will be fighting an uphill battle.