House Speaker Mike Johnson is proposing a plan to avert a government shutdown, which would involve two separate extensions for different chunks of the federal government, with deadlines set two weeks apart. According to Johnson, this two-step continuing resolution is necessary to fight for conservative victories and to break the tradition of passing massively loaded-up spending bills introduced right before the Christmas recess. Despite opposition from some Republicans, Johnson is touting this plan as the best way to negotiate fiscal responsibility and oversight over Ukraine aid.
The plan has already caused skepticism among some House Republicans, with at least two opposing it and skeptical Democrats unsure about their support. However, Johnson is seeking to make progress through separate votes for other policies, with a notable one-year extension of the Farm Bill included. The tight deadline and lack of consensus among both parties mean that a vote in the House could come as soon as Tuesday, putting pressure on the Senate to act before the November 17 deadline. Democrats such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are calling for a “clean CR,” funding government at fiscal year 2022 spending levels, an idea that has prompted significant opposition from some Republicans.
Despite appealing to Democrats with his proposal’s absence of cuts or unnecessary measures, Johnson is facing an uphill battle to garner support for his two-step government funding plan. The deadline to pass a plan is rapidly approaching, leaving little time for agreements to be made when House lawmakers return on Monday. Although Johnson inherited this challenge upon being sworn in as Speaker only weeks ago, it remains to be seen whether he can successfully navigate the difficult path ahead.