Things are getting ugly in the House.
As the December 20th deadline to avert a government shutdown approaches, House Republicans are growing increasingly frustrated with how Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and congressional leaders are managing the ongoing government funding negotiations. Some GOP lawmakers are so dissatisfied with the current approach that they are reportedly considering withholding their support for Johnson when the full House votes on the Speaker’s position in early January.
At the center of the controversy is the proposed Continuing Resolution (CR), a short-term extension of government funding that would prevent a partial shutdown just days before Christmas. While many Republicans had hoped for a clean CR without additional policy riders, some feel they are being blindsided by last-minute amendments that were never discussed in prior negotiations.
Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., voiced his anger over provisions related to Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), which were unexpectedly added to the CR discussions. Burlison had been assured by Johnson that the CR would remain “clean,” focusing solely on government funding. “We talked with the speaker up until this weekend, and the only discussion was ‘How long is this clean CR going to be?’” Burlison said. “Suddenly, we find out they’re negotiating a health care package with PBM provisions. This is unacceptable.”
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, echoed these concerns, criticizing the rushed nature of the negotiations and the inclusion of unrelated policy issues like ethanol sales and healthcare provisions. Roy labeled the bill “disastrous,” pointing out that lawmakers had not even had time to read the 1,400-page text before being expected to vote on it. “This is not how we should be doing business,” Roy added.
Many Republicans worry that the CR, which includes provisions for a one-year extension of the current Farm Bill along with subsidies, will complicate efforts to pass a new, comprehensive Farm Bill. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis., noted that the lack of consultation with GOP members on farm policy issues is raising concerns within the party, particularly in districts with strong agricultural sectors. “There’s been very little back-and-forth with members on specific issues,” Fitzgerald said.
While Speaker Johnson downplayed concerns about his leadership, stating that he is confident in his ability to retain support in January, hardliners within his party are signaling that his handling of the CR negotiations could be a dealbreaker. Former House Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry, R-Pa., suggested that some Republicans might vote against Johnson’s re-election as Speaker if they remain dissatisfied with the CR outcome.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., further warned that Johnson’s actions on the CR could have lasting consequences. “Everything’s got consequences,” he said, making it clear that GOP lawmakers are holding Johnson accountable for how he handles the current crisis.
With less than a week left before the shutdown deadline, it’s unclear whether Speaker Johnson will be able to quell the growing dissatisfaction within his own party and avoid further internal rebellion. However, the pressure is mounting, and many Republicans are demanding that leadership address their concerns with more transparency and respect for conservative principles. As the final vote approaches, the stakes for both the Speaker’s future and the party’s unity are higher than ever.