Speaker Mike Johnson Folds, Democrats Avert Another Shutdown (For Now)

Speaker Mike Johnson folded at the last minute, allowing Democrats and some Republicans to pass another round of temporary government funding until March, infuriating his MAGA flank.

The legislation, which passed the Senate earlier in the day 77-18, passed in the House as well hours later. The final vote was 314-108; nearly half of the GOP conference voted against it because of perceived fiscal irresponsibility. 

The bill is on its way to President Biden’s desk for his signature to become law ahead of the January 19th deadline.

The ongoing battle between House Republicans and the White House, the rest of Congress, and even among their own ranks goes back to May 2023. 

Then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy made a deal with President Biden about a full government budget for fiscal year 2024, but McCarthy succumbed to pressure from his right flank and reneged, allowing the House to spiral into chaos.

At the last possible moment, McCarthy folded: allowing mostly Democrats and some Republicans to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government temporarily funded. But his inconsistencies infuriated elements on both sides and he was ultimately removed from the Speakership.

When Johnson eventually succeeded him in late October, he soon found that the math hadn’t changed: House Republicans, barely controlling one chamber of Congress, were in a position of weakness compared to Democrats in the White House and Senate.

Johnson facilitated another continuing resolution in mid-November, souring him in the eyes of many far-right Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene.

His actions here have further infuriated the right flank of his conference, with many House Republicans publicly complaining about the deal and another perceived defeat for the GOP.