Capitol Chaos: GOP Grapples with Funding Fiasco

by

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. President Joe Biden and his White House’s relationship with Johnson will be one of the most consequential relationships in Washington for at least the next year. But some of Johnson’s early decisions have confounded White House officials who are still trying to get to know him. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Chaos reigned in the House as Republican lawmakers struggled to agree on crucial funding bills, signaling turbulence for newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson and hinting at a potential government shutdown.

With the critical November 17 deadline looming, House Republicans’ inability to unite casts a shadow over their governance capabilities. This week saw the withdrawal of two key funding bills: A bill related to transportation and housing was opposed by coastal Republicans due to cuts in Amtrak, and a bill entangled with contentious anti-abortion language.

These setbacks reflect deep divisions within the party and challenge Speaker Johnson’s leadership as he navigates a path forward in a politically charged atmosphere.

The dilemma will likely escalate as the House grapples with its next steps. The proposed solution, a short-term funding bill or a continuing resolution, has yet to find consensus among Republicans.

This internal disarray comes at a time when unity is crucial for passing bipartisan legislation in a divided government. But can the GOP rally in time to avert a government shutdown, or will this fiasco in funding deepen the divide?


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

advanced divider
advanced divider