Title: House Speaker Mike Johnson Proposes Unique Two-Step Spending Resolution to Avoid Government Shutdown
Subtitle: Excluding Funding Requests for Israel, Ukraine, and U.S.-Mexico Border to Prioritize Fiscal Responsibility
Date: [Insert Date]
In a surprising move, House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed a two-step continuing resolution to prevent a possible government shutdown. This approach aims to address concerns raised by GOP lawmakers who are keen on avoiding a massive spending bill before the holiday season.
Typically, stopgap spending bills extend funding until a specific date for all government programs. However, Johnson’s proposal differs by extending funding for some agencies and programs until January 19, while others would receive funding until February 2.
One notable aspect of this bill is its exclusion of funding requested by President Biden for Israel, Ukraine, and the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Johnson, this prioritizes fiscal responsibility and policy changes. Hardline conservatives, who are typically against temporary spending measures, are willing to support Johnson’s legislation to allow more time for negotiations on a long-term agreement.
Not everyone is in favor of this approach, though. Representative Chip Roy and a fraction of conservatives criticize the bill for funding Pelosi-level spending and policies for a period of 75 days. However, Johnson remains committed to bipartisan efforts for fiscal restraint. As a response to Moody’s Investors Service lowering its outlook on the U.S. government’s debt to “negative,” he has pledged to introduce a debt commission.
Currently, the federal government is operating under funding levels approved by a Democratic-led House and Senate last year. However, this has led to political chaos, as witnessed in September when Congress passed a 47-day continuing resolution that eventually led to the removal of Representative Kevin McCarthy as speaker.
Johnson’s proposal seeks to extend funding for four spending bills until January 19 and eight other spending bills until February 2. Senate Democrats have praised the inclusion of defense funding in the latter group of programs.
Notably, the White House has labeled Johnson’s proposal as causing Republican chaos and shutdowns. Nonetheless, Johnson remains steadfast in his commitment to achieving fiscal responsibility. He, along with House Republicans, points to the growing national debt, which currently exceeds $33 trillion, as the key factor behind Moody’s decision.
As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on Congress and the outcome of Johnson’s proposal. Will this two-step continuing resolution be the key to avoiding a government shutdown? Only time will tell.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”