Staff Reports
As a deadline approaches to keep the government operational, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and his fellow Republican legislators are confronted with a critical juncture in the House. As the shutdown deadline on Friday approaches, Speaker Johnson is confronted with a predicament as he attempts to devise a solution that will not precipitate a crisis within his party and will also avert the disapproval of extreme Republicans.
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President Joe Biden, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Johnson are scheduled to meet with Senate leaders and Senate leaders on Tuesday morning in an effort to reach an agreement to keep the government funded beyond March 1. However, achieving this does not simply require a finger snap; rather, it requires an entire congressional spectacle.
There are a total of twelve appropriations measures that require approval from both the House and Senate prior to reaching a consensus on the budget necessary for governmental operations. Since November, the House has passed only seven of these measures, while the Senate has managed to squeak through a mere three. Over there, it's as if they are attempting to herd a pack of cats!
Consequently, what should Speaker Johnson and his group of cheerful Republicans do? They do have some alternatives, but their popularity is comparable to that of broccoli on a child's dinner plate. Certain right-wing Republicans are so apprehensive about voting on a spending package that they will only do so bill by bill. There are those who are contemplating forming an alliance with the Democrats in order to pass a clear continuing resolution; however, such a course of action could hasten the resignation of Johnson as speaker before you can say "Melissa McCarthy."
Furthermore, should they fail to assemble it by Friday, they may be compelled to utilize an outdated chestnut: an interim stopgap measure. Although it is unpopular and the legislative equivalent of punting the problem further down the road, desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
Thereafter, there is discourse regarding the possibility of consolidating certain vexatious appropriations legislation into a "minibus." It provides financial support to agencies involved in energy and water, transportation, housing and urban development, military construction, and veterans affairs. However, this notion is not approved by all. Representatives such as Matt Gaetz (R-FL) are adamant that each measure be voted on individually and are digging in their heels. It is comparable to attempting to bathe a cat; it will not occur without considerable hissing and clawing.
However, there is more! The House Freedom Caucus has launched an extensive list of demands into the spending negotiations. They seek to defund the abortion policy of the Pentagon, prohibit funding for gun registries and red-flag gun laws, and maintain the southern border wall. In addition, they demand a one-year temporary funding measure that includes 1% budget cuts across the board if Johnson fails to comply. It's as if they have lowered the gauntlet and are now challenging Johnson to retrieve it.
At this time, Johnson's capitulation to the Freedom Caucus is likely to infuriate the Democrats, who have a low tolerance for budget cuts. It, as if he were being pulled in opposing directions by two quarreling siblings!
Not to mention the option for a "clean" continuing resolution either. Endorsing this course of action is the Democrats' top priority; however, it would safeguard government funding and prevent any reductions in the budget. If he follows this course of action, a mutiny from the extreme flank of the GOP will ensue before you can say "clean sweep."
Furthermore, to add insult to injury, both factions are assigning responsibility to one another for the pressing need to pass spending legislation. On Capitol Hill, the blame game is routine; Johnson retaliates by labeling Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) rhetoric counterproductive, while Schumer accuses House Republicans of instigating disorder.
As the days until Friday approach, the House Republicans appear to be facing a turbulent journey as they attempt to resolve this complex legislative situation and avert a potential government closure. One thing is certain: the road ahead will undoubtedly be rocky! The precise outcome of this situation remains uncertain.
