House Speaker Mike Johnson Defends Government Spending Bill Despite Fellow Republicans’ Opposition
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stood by his support for a government spending bill, saying that it is necessary to ensure funding for emergencies and farmers and ranchers, despite fellow Republicans, including key allies of President-elect Trump, opposing the bill.
Johnson argued that the government must pass a short-term extension of current funding levels, known as a continuing resolution (CR), by the end of Friday, or a partial government shutdown will occur just before the holidays. He acknowledged that government debt and deficits are a concern, but believes that short-term stopgap funding measures are necessary while Democrats still control the White House and Senate.
“We have to get this done because here’s the key,” Johnson said. “By doing this, we are clearing the decks and we are setting up for Trump to come in, roaring back with the America First agenda.”
Johnson also revealed that he has been on a text chain with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who will helm the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and shared that they are supportive of the bill.
The House Speaker acknowledged that any bill must have Democratic votes, given the slim majority of Republicans in the House, and said that he has been in touch with Democrats to secure their support.
Despite opposition from fellow Republicans, Johnson believes that the bill is necessary to ensure that the government is able to function effectively and efficiently, and that it will allow for a smooth transition of power to the new Congress in January.