House Republicans Employing Dual-Phase Strategy to Prevent Government Shutdown
House GOP devises two-step plan to prevent government shutdown, signaling urgency as Congress approaches looming spending deadline
House Republicans are reportedly taking a two-step approach to fund the government, according to three sources familiar with the situation. With another spending deadline looming next Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was recently elected, shared the plan during a GOP conference call on Saturday. He stated, "I did not create the predicament we find ourselves in," as relayed by a call participant.
Johnson expressed support for the right wing of his conference by proposing a two-step approach, but he did not completely give in to their demands. The package does not incorporate the significant spending reductions advocated by his conservative colleagues, but instead maintains funding at its present levels.
"In order for House Republicans to effectively pursue conservative triumphs, it is imperative to pass this two-step continuing resolution," Johnson stated in a press release on Saturday.
The first bill aims to prolong funding until January 19 and covers military construction, Veterans Affairs, and the Energy Department. The second part of the bill, extending funding until February 2, includes funding for the remainder of the government.
Both bills propose maintaining funding at current levels, without any added assistance allocated for Israel or Ukraine.
The Republican hardliners heavily advocated for the two-step approach, while numerous senators considered it a complex and challenging solution to implement and execute. This news is still developing and will be continually updated.
