Speaker Johnson Caves on Defense Bill Authorization

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has backtracked on his authorization of the defense bill.

The change could end up hurting conservative plans for the Defense Department shortly after he has taken over leadership in the House.

Mike Johnson Backtracks, Caves to Deep State, Democrats on Slipping FBI Spy Power Reauthorization into Defense Bill https://t.co/6V2jHu90aw

— Wendy Kortepeter (@WKortepeter) December 6, 2023

"Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) released a video statement after she said that leadership asked conferees, which includes herself, to agree to the 3000-plus page NDAA, which is 'being released behind closed doors without even getting time to read it!'” Breitbart News reported.

"The Peach State conservative blamed Johnson for negotiating with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to 'cut a deal' that would contain prohibitions against funding for abortion and “trans surgery prohibitions” that were in the House-passed NDAA under former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)," it added.

Conservatives slam "crappy" defense bill as Speaker Johnson faces strikeout https://t.co/dFKCKX3CNe

— The Messenger (@TheMessenger) December 7, 2023

"Some hardliners are warning that the capitulations House Speaker Mike Johnson made in the bipartisan negotiations with other congressional leaders are adding to mounting evidence that nothing is improving for Republicans under his leadership," the Messenger reported.

"That's a full-on strike two and a half — if not more," House Freedom Caucus member Chip Roy told The Messenger, alluding to baseball's three strikes and you're out.

The controversy comes just weeks after Johnson took over the House Speaker role following Rep. Mike McCarthy's (R-CA) abrupt departure.

McCarthy has since announced plans to retire from the House, with attacks now shifting from far-right conservatives to Johnson instead.

The military spending issue is a major one for conservatives that will be a major point of contention to end the year ahead of next year's elections.

Johnson's failure to secure a GOP win is adding to questions for the party as it seeks wins in the 2024 presidential election year.