Newly appointed House Speaker Mike Johnson finds himself in a tough spot with a federal funding deadline approaching on Friday night, just five days away. Johnson’s complex, two-tiered plan to temporarily fund the government has raised concerns, as it may require Democratic votes to pass, echoing the challenges faced by his predecessor, Rep. Kevin McCarthy.
The House’s inability to pass critical bills has already wasted every week of the majority party’s term since the summer, threatening the GOP’s chances of retaining control in next year’s elections.
Johnson’s plans include temporary funding, with deadlines in January and February for permanent department budgets, aiming to avoid shutdown dramas and massive spending bills.
However, the likelihood of the narrow GOP majority passing this intricate plan seems uncertain. If not passed, the shutdown could have widespread impacts, including potential delays in military pay. The key question is whether hardline Republicans will cooperate or further challenge the new leader.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
