Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is trying to save the party in the upcoming election, but his recent decision is likely to cost him the gavel next term if the GOP holds the House.
Johnson has been trying to get funding legislation passed that would include the SAVE Act, only it is not being supported.
Now, however, he is set to present stripped-down funding that would keep the government operational through March, and it is likely to cost him his position in leadership.
Not Happy
Johnson’s biggest problem is that Trump has been pressuring him to pass legislation with the SAVE Act attached.
Even if he could get it through the House, and he has already failed once, it would not pass the Senate and Joe Biden surely would not sign it.
Johnson knows the GOP would get crushed in the media if the government gets shut down, she is trying to avoid that at all costs.
Johnson is now trying to rally the caucus behind stripped-down legislation, sending a letter to everyone to rally support.
He wrote, “While this is not the solution any of us prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances.
“As history has taught and current polling affirms, shutting the government down less than 40 days from a fateful election would be an act of political malpractice.”
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) responded, “Democrats will collectively evaluate the spending legislation in its entirety in advance of its consideration on the Floor.
“Congress is now on a bipartisan path to avoid a government shutdown.”
Johnson should have enough Republican votes, and he will only need a handful, to get his bill passed, but then we will have to wait to see Trump’s and the caucus’s reaction.
If you see Trump spit venom, Johnson’s time as Speaker will be done at the end of this session.
If Trump gives him his blessing, he just must survive.