House Speaker Johnson Backs Down, Averts Government Shutdown with Short-Term Funding Bill
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a new temporary government funding proposal on Sunday, shifting away from his original plan which included the controversial SAVE Act. The move, which went against the wishes of former President Donald Trump, marks a significant compromise with Democrats and averts a potential government shutdown just weeks before the November election.
Key Takeaways:
- Johnson’s new bill funds the government through December 20, bypassing the SAVE Act and offering a shorter-term solution. This aligns with Democrat’s preferences for a clean funding bill allowing fresh negotiations after the election.
- Trump had advocated for a six-month bill with the SAVE Act, but this plan faced significant opposition within the House Republican caucus as well as outright rejection from the Democratic Senate.
- The shift towards a three-month bill marks Johnson’s concessions to Democrats, highlighting the importance of bipartisanship in preventing a government shutdown. This could also impact his speakership, as his predecessor was ousted for making similar concessions.
A New Direction for Funding
Johnson’s original bill, which sought to fund the government through March 2025, included the SAVE Act – a measure championed by Trump that would have required individuals to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. While the bill gained support from some Republicans, it faced significant pushback from both within the House and from Democrats.
"Since we fell a bit short of the goal line, an alternative plan is now required," Johnson wrote to his colleagues.
Democrats, who hold the majority in the Senate, had consistently opposed the SAVE Act, advocating for a shorter-term funding bill that would allow the newly elected Congress to set spending levels for the next term.
The new funding plan, which is expected to reach the House floor by Wednesday, sets a deadline of December 20 for the government to be funded. It includes $231 million for the Secret Service following a recent assassination attempt against Trump, highlighting the agency’s strained resources.
A Necessary Compromise?
By dropping the SAVE Act and introducing a shorter-term funding bill, Johnson is demonstrating a willingness to compromise with Democrats – a strategic move in the face of a potential government shutdown.
"While this is not the solution any of us prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances," Johnson said.
President Joe Biden and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer both previously advocated for a shorter-term, clean funding bill. Schumer praised the changes, characterizing Johnson’s original plan as a "MAGA knot" tied around the GOP.
"Now that the MAGA GOP bill has failed, it’s clear that only a bipartisan budget bill will keep the government open," Schumer stated.
However, this shift towards bipartisanship could come at a political cost.
Johnson’s predecessor, former Republican California Rep. Kevin McCarthy, was ousted as Speaker of the House in October 2023 after making similar concessions to Democrats to prevent a government shutdown.
Johnson’s willingness to compromise highlights the delicate balance he must maintain between appeasing his own party’s conservative wing and finding middle ground with Democrats to keep the government functioning. This balancing act will be crucial in navigating the upcoming election cycle.
