Speaker Johnson Defends Spending Bill Amid Gop, Musk Opposition: 'Impossible Position'

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended his stance on a government spending bill on Wednesday, despite opposition from several fellow Republicans and high-profile figures like Elon Musk. The Speaker emphasized the importance of short-term funding to prevent a looming government shutdown, all while outlining his longer-term goals to address government spending when Republicans gain full control of Congress in January 2025.

Johnson’s comments came as negotiators worked on a stopgap funding bill that must pass the House and Senate by December 20 to avoid a shutdown just before the holiday season. The Speaker explained that the country’s rising debt and the fiscal year’s substantial deficit are concerns, but stressed that short-term funding is needed to keep the government running under the current divided control of Washington.

The U.S. national debt reached $36.1 trillion, and the deficit for the last fiscal year hit $1.834 trillion, marking the third-largest deficit in U.S. history. These concerns have led to widespread opposition from both Republicans and outside critics, such as Musk and 2024 presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of government spending.

Johnson noted that while these concerns are valid, the government must act swiftly to ensure funding for essential services like FEMA and aid to farmers and ranchers. The Speaker emphasized that with a slim Republican majority in the House, it is necessary to gain Democrat votes for the measure to pass.

A Difficult Path Ahead for Speaker Johnson and His Party

Johnson appeared on “Fox & Friends” to further explain his position, acknowledging the challenges that come with passing a stopgap funding bill. He explained that Republicans would need to approve these temporary measures while the White House and Senate remain under Democratic control, saying, “The government doesn’t have a choice and must push the bill through to ensure funding for emergencies.”

Despite the criticisms of spending, Johnson has committed to long-term fiscal discipline. He pointed out that after Republicans take full control of Congress in January 2025, they will work on scaling back the size and scope of government. He called the current situation an “impossible position,” acknowledging the difficulty of balancing fiscal responsibility with the immediate need to keep the government functioning.

As Johnson worked through the difficult legislative process, he received support from outside voices, including Musk and Ramaswamy. However, both figures made their displeasure with the spending known through a text chain with the Speaker. Johnson shared their message, saying that while it was not directed at him personally, they were unhappy with the amount of government spending.

Republicans Divided on the Spending Bill

In response, Johnson addressed their concerns, noting, “I don’t either. We got to get this done because here’s the key. By doing this, we are clearing the decks and setting up for Trump to come in, roaring back with the America First agenda.”

Johnson’s comments about setting the stage for a Trump administration were a reminder of the long-term plans Republicans have for the government’s fiscal future. However, the Speaker also faces immediate political challenges. His position within the Republican Party is tenuous, as he holds a slim majority in the House. Any bill that Johnson champions will require some Democrat support, further complicating his ability to pass legislation without bipartisan cooperation.

Johnson has emphasized that the upcoming spending bill is essential to prevent a government shutdown and provide funding for key programs, despite the political cost. His push for a stopgap funding measure aligns with his broader strategy to ensure that the government remains functional in the short term while setting the stage for broader fiscal reforms once Republicans regain full control in the new Congress.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Scaling Back Government

With the end of the current legislative session fast approaching, Johnson is focused on pushing through the necessary funding to avoid a shutdown. However, the Speaker made it clear that this would be a temporary measure. Johnson reaffirmed his commitment to fiscal restraint, saying, “When we start the new Congress in January when Republicans are in control and DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) is working on all six cylinders, we’re going to be able to scale back the size and scope of government.”

The Speaker’s position was bolstered by his support among House Republicans earlier this year after President-elect Trump expressed his backing. Johnson won unanimous support in the closed-door election to become Speaker again, but he will need similar support when the full House votes for a new speaker in January. Given the slim majority that Republicans hold in the House, Johnson can afford to lose only a few GOP members and still maintain his position.

Navigating a Divided Congress

In his appearance on Fox News, Johnson noted that any bill, including the one in question, requires support from Democrats due to the narrow Republican majority in the House. He said, “Remember, guys, we still have just a razor-thin margin of Republicans. So, any bill has to have Democrat votes. They understand the situation.”

The Speaker’s recognition of the divided nature of Congress highlights the complexity of passing significant legislation in the current political climate. Johnson’s focus on short-term solutions reflects the broader political realities of working with a divided Congress, where any major initiative will need bipartisan backing.

Despite the pressure from some factions of his party and external figures like Musk and Ramaswamy, Johnson is pushing forward with his legislative agenda. The short-term funding bill remains crucial, but Johnson’s focus remains on the broader goal of reducing government spending once Republicans gain full control in January 2025.

Setting the Stage for Future Fiscal Reforms

In closing, Speaker Johnson reiterated that his approach, while controversial among some Republicans, is part of a larger plan for reform. He believes that the current legislative process is essential to ensuring funding for emergencies and key programs. While the short-term funding measures are necessary, Johnson’s broader fiscal vision centers on scaling back government when Republicans are in control of both chambers of Congress next year.

For now, Johnson’s leadership will be tested as Congress works toward a December 20 deadline to avert a government shutdown, but his long-term focus remains firmly on fiscal reforms for the future.