House Speaker Mike Johnson faced a significant setback on Wednesday when he was forced to pull a proposed stopgap government funding bill after failing to rally sufficient support within his own party. The bill, aimed at preventing a government shutdown, faltered due to growing Republican opposition, leaving Johnson scrambling for alternatives as the September 30 shutdown deadline looms.
Johnson’s plan sought to extend funding for six months while linking it to the SAVE Act, a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote, which appeals to the conservative base. However, this strategy backfired as both defense hawks and hardline conservatives rejected the measure, splitting the GOP. Many argued the continuing resolution (CR) merely maintained the status quo without achieving significant spending cuts, a key demand from fiscal conservatives.
Democrats and the media insist that noncitizen voting is already illegal, therefore it doesn’t occur.
They’re wrong.
We must ensure only Americans vote in American elections. pic.twitter.com/97eFikOOFq
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) September 11, 2024
Despite the speaker's efforts, at least six Republicans, including high-profile figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Nancy Mace, publicly expressed opposition. Greene criticized the plan as a "fake fight" and called for a more aggressive stance against Democratic priorities, while Mace reiterated her long-standing refusal to support CRs. Johnson, who campaigned for Republican unity, saw more members join the ranks of dissenters, increasing the likelihood of the bill's failure on the House floor.
This internal revolt not only jeopardized the stopgap measure but also heightened the risk of a government shutdown, as the Republican majority in the House is slim and cannot afford more than a handful of defections. Johnson’s leadership faced a critical test, with his allies trying to salvage the bill through eleventh-hour negotiations.
Speaker Johnson is setting up a fake fight for the Save Act, which we already passed in July, to vote to extend the Biden/Harris budget.
The American people are tired of being lied to.
He needs to be honest with the American people about what he will and won’t do on September… pic.twitter.com/S8EjwZXzQx
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) September 10, 2024
The speaker received some support from influential Republicans like Rep. Jim Jordan and members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, but it wasn’t enough to stem the growing tide of dissent. Rep. Thomas Massie, a fiscal hardliner, dismissed the plan as a "fairy tale," further undercutting Johnson’s chances of success. Massie’s remarks highlighted the deepening divisions within the GOP, where even conservative voices were split on how to approach the funding bill.
The collapse of Johnson's proposal underscores broader challenges within the Republican Party, as it struggles to reconcile the demands of its various factions. With time running out to avoid a shutdown, the speaker’s options are limited. He could attempt to negotiate a bipartisan solution with Democrats, but this would risk further alienating his conservative base, many of whom are already dissatisfied with his leadership.
Democratic leaders, for their part, have refrained from stepping in to rescue the Republican proposal. While some Democrats had previously supported the SAVE Act, their leadership is unlikely to offer Johnson the votes needed to pass the bill, leaving him in a precarious position. Should a government shutdown occur, the political fallout could be severe, especially with the 2024 elections approaching.
This funding impasse also presents personal risks for Johnson, who is preparing for a potential re-election as House Speaker. A failure to secure a stopgap bill would weaken his position within the party, raising questions about his ability to navigate future legislative battles.
