Avoiding a Government Shutdown: Democrats Consider House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Funding Proposal
As the clock ticks down, the threat of a government shutdown looms over Washington. However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Democrats are signaling a willingness to entertain a temporary government funding proposal from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). This move could potentially avert a crisis this week.
Democratic Leadership Reviews the Funding Proposal
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has taken a proactive stance. In a recent letter to his colleagues, he mentioned that the Democratic leadership is “carefully reviewing” Johnson’s proposal. This plan suggests extending current funding levels for some federal agencies into January, and for others into February. Importantly, Jeffries highlighted that Johnson has moved away from his original “laddered” funding approach. This approach would have created a series of staggered funding deadlines.
Concerns Over the Continuing Resolution
Despite the shift in strategy, Jeffries expressed concerns. He pointed out the bifurcation of the continuing resolution into two separate months. Additionally, he criticized the failure to address national security and domestic supplemental funding priorities. These are issues that resonate with the American people.
Democrats are standing firm against spending cuts and extreme right-wing policy positions. These are elements that Johnson omitted from his resolution. This omission has led to some far-right Republicans expressing their intent to vote against the measure. Yet, Jeffries has not explicitly opposed the resolution himself.
Putting People Over Politics
Jeffries emphasized the Democratic commitment to progress for everyday Americans. He stated, “We will proceed this week through the lens of making progress for everyday Americans by continuing to put people over politics.” This approach suggests that if a significant number of Democrats support the resolution, it could pass with ease. The real question then becomes whether Republican hardliners will challenge Johnson’s leadership. This scenario is reminiscent of the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) after he funded the government with Democratic votes in September.
Will GOP Hardliners Block the Funding Bill?
Johnson’s funding bill is not designed to appease Democrats, as it omits key priorities like extra military aid for Israel and Ukraine. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has criticized the proposal. She called it “a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdowns.” However, the White House has not issued a veto threat.
A critical moment will occur in the House Rules Committee. This committee is typically the last stop for a bill or resolution before a House floor vote. If GOP hardliners block the measure in Rules, Johnson could still bring the bill to the floor under a “suspension of the rules.” This move would require a supermajority for the bill to pass. It would likely further antagonize the restive right-wingers in the House GOP more than a regular vote.
Conservative Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a member of the Rules Committee, has voiced his opinion. He told reporters on Monday, “That would be a very bad idea.” His statement underscores the tension within the Republican ranks.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act
In conclusion, the situation in Washington is a delicate balancing act. Democrats are cautiously optimistic about a temporary funding solution. Yet, they remain vigilant about the potential pitfalls of the proposal. The coming days will be crucial. They will determine whether bipartisan cooperation can prevail over partisan divides. The goal is to keep the government running smoothly for the benefit of all Americans.
