In a critical bid to prevent an impending government shutdown, newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed a novel two-phase funding strategy. With the deadline just six days away, Johnson outlined his plan during a Republican conference call.
Mike Johnson emphasized the urgency, stating, "This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories."
Johnson's approach, a "laddered CR" or continuing resolution, aims to separate the immediate need for government funding from ongoing debates over critical issues like aid to Ukraine and border security. His plan involves two distinct deadlines for different government sectors, set just two weeks apart - January 19 and February 2.
The proposal has already garnered mixed reactions. Key Republicans, like Reps. Chip Roy and Marjorie Taylor Greene, have expressed their dissent, with Roy explicitly stating on social media, "My opposition to the clean CR just announced by the Speaker to the CR cannot be overstated."
On the other side of the aisle, a Senate Democratic leadership aide acknowledged some positive aspects of Johnson's plan, noting, "It's a good thing the Speaker didn't include unnecessary cuts and kept defense funding with the second group of programs."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, however, remains skeptical, having previously dismissed the idea of a laddered CR as a "right-wing joyride which would crash and burn the economy." The Democratic response is crucial, as Johnson's narrow majority in the House means he will need bipartisan support to pass the measure.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized the plan, saying, "House Republicans need to stop wasting time on their own political divisions, do their jobs, and work in a bipartisan way to prevent a shutdown."
As the clock ticks towards the November 17 deadline, Johnson faces the daunting task of uniting his party and garnering enough Democratic support to avoid a government shutdown. The House Rules Committee is set to meet and potentially set the stage for a House vote as early as Tuesday, adding pressure on the Senate to act swiftly.
