With just six days until a government shutdown, newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson is pitching Republicans Saturday on his plan to avert a shutdown.
Senator Ron Johnson informed Republican lawmakers during a conference call that he plans to proceed with a two-step government funding plan, referred to as a “laddered CR” or continuing resolution, according to multiple sources. Notably, this plan does not include funding for Israel, Ukraine, or border security, which are typically attached to crucial legislation.
In a statement, Johnson explained that the two-step continuing resolution is designed to position House Republicans strategically for conservative victories. The plan aims to prevent the tradition of introducing massive spending bills right before the Christmas recess and allows the party to focus on key priorities, including fiscal responsibility, oversight of Ukraine aid, and policy changes at the Southern border.
Congress often passes a short-term funding bill or stopgap measure, known as a CR, to keep the government open at current spending levels. This is the option that Congress used just a few weeks ago to avoid a shutdown. With just six days
Senator Ron Johnson is advocating for a plan that involves two separate deadlines to maintain the functioning of different parts of the government, according to sources on the call with ABC News. The legislative text obtained by ABC News confirms two distinct extensions for different segments of the federal government, just two weeks apart, on January 19 and February 2.
In presenting this plan, Johnson acknowledged his recent appointment to the position, emphasizing that he did not create the existing challenges, as sources familiar with the appeal reported.
However, there is already skepticism among some Republicans about Johnson’s proposal to fund the government. At least two Republicans, Representatives Chip Roy and Marjorie Taylor Greene, have stated that they will vote against it.