Johnson's stance on funding fight fuels doubts among House GOP members.

One GOP lawmaker believes it's not a wise plan, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Johnson's stance on funding fight fuels doubts among House GOP members.
Johnson's stance on funding fight fuels doubts among House GOP members.

Despite growing uneasiness within the House GOP, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is pushing forward with his plan to prevent a partial government shutdown at the end of the month.

Johnson proposes a six-month extension of the current fiscal year's government funding levels, known as a continuing resolution (CR), along with a GOP bill mandating proof of citizenship in the voter registration process.

Despite opposition from at least six GOP lawmakers, House Republican leaders plan to vote on the measure Wednesday.

Johnson stated that he believes pairing the CR with the SAVE Act is the correct course of action and that they are not considering any other alternatives or steps.

Mike Johnson
Speaker Mike Johnson is holding firm to his plan on government funding. (Getty Images)

On Tuesday, the measure passed a key test vote, with a final vote to follow. The vote was 209 to 206, with Reps. Andy Biggs and Matt Rosendale opposing. Rosendale is one of six Republicans who are publicly against the measure.

During a closed-door meeting earlier that morning, Johnson made similar comments to multiple GOP lawmakers, according to sources.

Some, like Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., applauded his resolve.

"Norman, who usually opposes CRs, told Planet Chronicle Digital that he is ready to fight and that he believes it is a good thing overall, despite certain things he doesn't like."

House Republicans who spoke anonymously said they saw no point in taking a vote on a measure that, if it passed their chamber, is almost certain to be a nonstarter in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

One GOP lawmaker told Planet Chronicle Digital in a text message that "the problem has no solution because it lacks the votes."

Another House Republican stated that it's not a good idea.

"The statement pointed out that the proposed legislation would not become law and Biden would not sign it, and therefore, it would have no effect on this year's election. As such, it would be most reasonable to wait until a day after the election to implement it, which would apply to the following term in the next election."

Rep. Ralph Norman praised Johnson for sticking by his plan.
Rep. Ralph Norman praised Johnson for sticking by his plan. (Getty Images)

"Now, with an eight-week government shutdown occurring before the presidential election, we are playing a game."

Some GOP defectors oppose CRs on principle, arguing that it is an excessive expansion of government growth. Others raised national security concerns about the potential impact of a six-month extension without additional military funding on national security.

Two more lawmakers, Reps. John Rutherford and Victoria Spartz, expressed reservations but did not openly oppose it.

Rutherford stated to reporters that although he is a lean no, he will never vote to shut down the government due to defense funding concerns.

Spartz expressed opposition to the "omnibus spending" that CRs represent and questioned the sincerity of Johnson's stance on gambling with a shutdown.

Spartz said, "If we're planning to take that hill, we need to bring the American people with us and communicate the outcome."

While Johnson remained committed to his plan, which was also supported by Trump, others in the conference indicated a desire for progress.

Chuck Schumer gestures onstage during Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention
The bill is likely a nonstarter in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's chamber. (Reuters/Mike Segar)

One possible rewrite of the sentence could be: According to Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., Republicans might eventually agree to a funding extension without any additional legislation, but it would only last until December, which is what senior GOP lawmakers and Democrats have been advocating for months.

Bacon predicted that there would be a temporary Continuing Resolution (CR) agreement, despite differences across the aisle.

House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that they always have several options ready.

Johnson's bill will likely require Democratic votes to pass the House with a four-seat majority and at least six defections.

Despite opposition from their leaders in the House, Senate, and White House, five Democrats voted for the SAVE Act when it passed earlier this year. It is unclear whether they would support pairing the bill with a stopgap spending bill.

by Elizabeth Elkind

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