WASHINGTON — House Democrats, after initially rejecting the two-step strategy to fund the government, indicated on Monday that they are willing to support Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan. This move significantly reduces the risk of a potential government shutdown at the end of the week.
Facing resistance from some conservatives within their own party, Johnson, R-La., now needs Democratic support to pass the stopgap funding bill.
On Monday afternoon, House Democratic leaders stated that they are contemplating endorsing the Johnson strategy.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also expressed bipartisan support for Johnson’s plan, suggesting that the continuing resolution (CR) is likely to smoothly pass through the Senate after House approval. The House is scheduled to consider the bill on Tuesday.
Over the weekend, Johnson unveiled his “laddered” CR, which the White House initially criticized as an “extreme” and “unserious proposal.” However, on Monday, President Joe Biden did not commit to vetoing Johnson’s plan if it reaches his desk, stating, “I’m not going to make a judgment on what I’d veto and what I’d sign. Let’s see what they come up with.”
This marks a notable shift for Democrats, as just four days earlier, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., had criticized the laddered CR concept, calling it an “extreme, right-wing policy joyride.” However, Johnson’s proposal is a “clean” CR without spending cuts or controversial policy riders, addressing some Democratic concerns.
The two-step approach involves extending funding for certain government departments until Jan. 19 and for the Defense Department and remaining parts until Feb. 2. In a letter to colleagues on Monday, Jeffries emphasized that the central mission is to keep the government funded, and top Democratic leaders are evaluating the Republican proposal.
Given Johnson’s narrow majority and mounting GOP defections, he will likely need Democratic support to pass this crucial legislation. At least eight House conservatives have already declared their intention to vote against Johnson’s plan, and Johnson can only afford to lose three Republicans.
One Democrat, Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, has announced his support for Johnson’s bill, stating, “It’s not perfect, but it’s a whole lot better than a shutdown.”
The Johnson CR delays contentious issues such as spending cuts, aid for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, humanitarian aid, and border security until after Thanksgiving. However, it extends the farm bill through Sept. 30, which could appeal to rural lawmakers and Democrats supportive of federal food and nutrition programs for low-income families.
Despite the two-part CR initially being conceived by the far-right Freedom Caucus, conservatives, including Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, criticized Johnson’s plan for lacking spending cuts and border provisions.
The House is set to test Johnson’s proposal on Tuesday when it takes up the rule for the CR. Johnson may need Democratic support to pass the rule, and there is consideration of advancing the CR “under suspension,” requiring two-thirds support if GOP votes for the rule are insufficient.
In the Senate, plans for a Plan B to keep the government open are on hold, with Schumer stating that they are pausing to allow the House to take the lead. Schumer expressed satisfaction that Speaker Johnson is moving in the direction favored by Democrats.
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