Deal
In a gamble to head off a government shutdown, a bill to fund the federal government through March 14, was released on Monday, provoking the ire of some conservative lawmakers who were furious with House Speaker Kevin Johnson for his plan that secured Democratic backing for the funding extension in a bipartisan effort.
The bill unveiled just days before the deadline, outlines provisions to keep federal agencies running until mid-March, giving Congress additional time to negotiate a longer-term spending plan. Johnson, a Republican, struck the deal with Democratic leaders to ensure government continuity and avoid the political and economic fallout of a shutdown.
This measure is essential to stabilize American families and businesses,” Johnson said during a press conference. “He emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation, describing the deal as a temporary compromise to “keep the lights on” while lawmakers work toward a comprehensive budget agreement.
It also had a “clean” extension that included no controversial policy riders. Funding would be at consistent levels as agreed upon earlier. All key sectors-the defense, healthcare, and education sectors- would continue without interruption.
Conservative Anger
Despite Johnson’s justification, his decision has come under severe criticism from hardline conservatives within his party. Many argue that the speaker has conceded too much to the Democrats and missed an opportunity to use spending cuts or conservative policy priorities.
Mark Jacobs of the Freedom Caucus was very vocal about the bill being a “betrayal of conservative values.” “You cannot go on forever kicking the can down the road without a real address of our unsustainable debt and out-of-control federal spending,” said Jacobs.
Other Republicans have made similar comments, suggesting that the measure may face resistance from within the House. The criticism speaks of the widening schism in the GOP where some moderate members tend to counter their more conservative peers with respect to fiscal strategies and party unity.
Democratic Support Crucial
On the Democratic side, leaders have voiced cautious approval of the funding extension as a necessary step to avoid the chaos of a shutdown. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged his caucus to back the bill, saying that “Americans cannot afford the uncertainty of a government in paralysis.”
Passage will likely rely heavily on Democratic votes because of the internal splits among Republicans. A vote is expected later this week as lawmakers scramble to prevent any lapse in government activities.
This is the political fight surrounding the funding extension and serves as a reminder that there are still many headaches when it comes to dealing with a divided Congress.
