'There's always consequences': GOP rebels plot mutiny against Johnson over government shutdown drama
House GOP hardliners are furious with how congressional leaders are handling the ongoing government funding talks, with some even suggesting they could withhold support from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to head their conference again over his handling of the matter.
House GOP hardliners are voicing frustration over congressional leadership’s handling of ongoing government funding negotiations, with some suggesting they might withhold support for House Speaker Mike Johnson’s reelection as speaker in January.
Lawmakers are negotiating a short-term funding extension, or continuing resolution (CR), to avoid a government shutdown on Friday, Dec. 20. GOP critics claim Johnson has mishandled the process, with last-minute policy additions sparking backlash.
Some Republicans accuse Johnson of using President-elect Donald Trump’s backing as a shield. Johnson, who won unanimous GOP support earlier this year, faces a slimmer margin in the upcoming January House speaker vote, requiring near-unanimous Republican backing to retain his position.
Former Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry, R-Pa., acknowledged some Republicans might oppose Johnson over the CR’s handling. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., echoed similar concerns, stating, "Everything has consequences."
Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., criticized the inclusion of health care provisions limiting Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), claiming Johnson had promised a “clean” CR. Burlison labeled the rushed, multi-thousand-page bill “disgusting,” saying lawmakers hadn’t had time to review it.
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the process chaotic, criticizing the addition of ethanol provisions and other “unpaid-for” measures. “This is not the way to do business,” he said.
Johnson downplayed the dissent, asserting during a press conference that he wasn’t worried about the speaker vote. He reiterated his commitment to giving lawmakers 72 hours to review the bill, though delays mean the vote could come dangerously close to Friday’s shutdown deadline.
Lawmakers from agricultural regions, like Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis., also raised concerns about CR provisions extending the current Farm Bill for a year. Fitzgerald argued this could complicate broader negotiations for a new Farm Bill due this year.
While negotiations continue, GOP frustrations are mounting, placing both Johnson’s leadership and the CR’s passage under scrutiny.