Home Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended his assist for a authorities spending invoice on Wednesday regardless of opposition from fellow Republicans, together with key allies of President-elect Trump.
Negotiators are engaged on a short-term extension of present authorities funding ranges often known as a seamless decision (CR). A invoice should move the Home and Senate on the finish of Friday, Dec. 20, to keep away from a partial authorities shutdown simply earlier than the vacations.
Throughout an look on “Fox & Associates,” Johnson shared, that whereas authorities debt and deficits are a priority, Republicans should approve “short-term stopgap funding measures” whereas Democrats nonetheless management the White Home and Senate.
“We have it in our central focus and once we begin the brand new Congress in January, when Republicans are in management and DOGE (the Division of Authorities Effectivity) is engaged on all six cylinders, we’re going to have the ability to reduce the dimensions and scope of presidency,” he mentioned.
CONGRESS UNVEILS BILL TO AVERT FRIDAY GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WITH OVER $100B IN DISASTER AID
Speaker Mike Johnson and Elon Musk are at odds over a authorities spending invoice that might result in a authorities shutdown. (Jean Catuffe/GC Pictures/Andrew Harnik/Getty Pictures)
Johnson additionally mentioned the transfer would guarantee Republicans can management spending for 2025, describing it as an “unattainable place.”
“That is the sausage-making course of,” he added.
In line with Johnson, the federal government would not “have a selection” and should push the invoice by way of to make sure funding for emergencies (FEMA) and farmers and ranchers.
The Home Speaker additionally revealed that he has been on a textual content chain with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who will helm DOGE.
“Keep in mind, guys, we nonetheless have only a razor-thin margin of Republicans. So, any invoice has to have Democrat votes. They perceive the scenario.” Johnson mentioned, referencing the textual content alternate.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS SAVAGE SPENDING BILL AS MIKE JOHNSON DEFENDS IT: ‘WE GOTTA GET THIS DONE
U.S. Speaker of the Home Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) (L) speaks as Home Majority Chief Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) (R) listens throughout a information convention on the U.S. Capitol on December 17, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Pictures)
“They mentioned it isn’t directed at you, Mr. Speaker, however we do not just like the spending. I mentioned, guess what, fellas? I do not both. We acquired to get this completed as a result of this is the important thing. By doing this, we’re clearing the decks and we’re establishing for Trump to come back in, roaring again with the America First agenda,” he continued.
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Johnson received unanimous assist to turn out to be speaker once more in Home Republicans’ closed-door elections earlier this yr, hours after Trump informed lawmakers he supported him.
He wants virtually the identical degree of assist in early January when the whole Home votes to elect a brand new speaker. With only a slim majority, Johnson can solely afford to lose a couple of members of the Home GOP to nonetheless win the gavel.
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Fox Information’ Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
