Mike Johnson proposes plan to avoid government shut down with no spending cuts

On Saturday, newly-elected Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson pitched a plan to Republican lawmakers to avoid a government shutdown. The bill would separate spending initiatives into separate bills in what he called a "laddered" continuing resolution (CR). 

In a statement, Johnson said, "This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories," reports ABC.

"The bill will stop the absurd holiday-season omnibus tradition of massive, loaded-up spending bills introduced right before the Christmas recess," he continued. "Separating out the CR from the supplemental funding debates places our conference in the best position to fight for fiscal responsibility, oversight over Ukraine aid, and meaningful policy changes at our Southern border." 

According to the outlet, the plan would replace the typical continuing resolution, or short-term funding bill, with two bills with different deadlines, to keep different parts of the government functioning. The first deadline would be Jan. 19, and the second on Feb 2. 

This would give lawmakers time to negotiate different aspects of the bill from getting funding without holding up sections that need more negotiation time. 

Of note, the plan would have funding for Israel and Ukraine in the second bill. An aide for Senate Democratic leadership told the outlet, "It's a good thing the Speaker didn't include unnecessary cuts and kept defense funding with the second group of programs." 

The plan is already getting pushback from both Democrats and Republicans. Rep. Chip Roy said in a post on X, "My opposition to the clean CR just announced by the Speaker to the CR cannot be overstated. Funding Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days - for future 'promises.'"

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pushed for the House to pass the "clean CR" that would keep spending levels the same as they were in 2022, while they negotiate more. 

A statement from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the proposal "extreme." It read, "This proposal is just a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdowns—full stop." 

"With just days left before an Extreme Republican Shutdown," the letter continued. "House Republicans are wasting precious time with an unserious proposal that has been panned by members of both parties. An Extreme Republican Shutdown would put critical national security and domestic priorities at risk, including by forcing service members to work without pay. 

Congress has until Nov. 17 to pass a plan before a government shutdown commences.