**Crisis** is looming in the House of Representatives as Speaker Mike Johnson grapples with an unexpected backlash against his government funding plan.
At least six House Republicans have voiced strong opposition to Johnson’s proposal, which aims to couple a six-month government funding resolution with a bill to ensure election security by barring noncitizens from voting.
This dissent threatens to derail Johnson’s plan, as the Republican majority is razor-thin, and they lack support from Democrats to push it through.
Reps. Greg Steube, Cory Mills, Jim Banks, Tim Burchett, Thomas Massie, and Matt Rosendale have publicly declared their intention to vote against the continuing resolution, expressing concerns over its implications for national debt and government spending.
"The last thing I want to do is extend bloated spending for six more months," Rep. Banks said, highlighting a growing sentiment among conservatives that fiscal restraint is paramount.
Amid this turbulence, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene challenged Johnson to demonstrate his commitment to conservative values, questioning whether he possesses the resolve necessary to defend their interests in the negotiation process.
“Does he have a plan for us? If he doesn't, it’s pointless,” Greene remarked, illustrating the urgency and frustration among some members of the party.
On the other hand, some Republicans worry about the potential consequences of not funding the government ahead of next year’s elections.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis emphasized the responsibility of legislators to keep the government operational, stressing that debates around funding should not take place while an election is imminent.
The divide among House Republicans has placed Johnson in a precarious position. He acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding his plan and committed to further discussions with fellow GOP members ahead of the imminent vote.
“Let’s see if they have the guts to tell the American people they want illegals to vote,” Johnson said, reinforcing the importance of the initiatives tied to election integrity.
Historically, proposals that tie vital funding to security measures have resonated with conservative values. This latest push reflects a broader effort among Republicans to ensure that election integrity remains a priority as we approach critical election cycles.
In a party where unity is essential, Johnson's ability to navigate this internal dissent could define not only his leadership tenure but also the effectiveness of the Republican agenda leading into 2025.
As the clock ticks down to the expected vote, all eyes remain on the GOP's next move and whether Speaker Johnson can rally his members around a cohesive plan that aligns with conservative principles while securing the necessary funding for the government.
Sources:
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