Speaker Johnson Faces GOP Defections as He Works to Avoid Shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing GOP holdouts and finding help from some Democrats in plans to avoid a government shutdown.

Democrats initially opposed Johnson's plan but have started to change course after the removal of some spending cuts.

Dems quiet on Johnson plan to avert shutdown as GOP defections mount https://t.co/ivEs4ID83r pic.twitter.com/emFDhYypff

— New York Post (@nypost) November 13, 2023

“For now, I am pleased that Speaker Johnson seems to be moving in our direction by advancing a CR that does not include the highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Monday, according to the New York Post.

"Schumer stopped short of formally endorsing the proposal and alluded to grievances over the complex nature of Johnson’s so-called 'laddered' approach," it added.

Santa Claus Comes Early for the Swamp: McConnell, Schumer Publicly Back Speaker Johnson’s Government Funding Plan https://t.co/85buh6gkuP

— Neesie 🇺🇸 (@neesietweets) November 14, 2023

"Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is moving a laddered CR that extends current spending levels for Agriculture, Energy and Water, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD spending bills through January 19 with the remaining eight bills extended through February 2," Breitbart News reported.

"Government funding expires at midnight on Friday, November 17," it continued.

So far, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has also given his support to the working plan.

Other Republicans remain unconvinced, arguing that the continuing resolution does nothing to reduce spending or help with the ongoing border crisis.

The handful of opposing conservatives could make the resolution unable to pass without the help of Democrats, but doing so could be a bad look for Johnson.

The ongoing battle needs an answer soon to avoid a shutdown but many on both sides don't appear eager to move forward to help. The latest response at least offers a short-term answer that can keep the nation running until early next year.