GOP Speaker of the House Mike Johnson faced criticism after collaborating with Democrats to pass a $1.6 trillion Continuing Resolution to fund the Biden Administration without making any cuts to government spending or allocating funds to secure the southern border. The bill also continues to fund investigations into former President Trump and the J6 Patriots, angering conservative legislators and voters.
The House of Representatives, led by newly-installed GOP Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, passed the Continuing Resolution on Tuesday, avoiding a government shutdown but generating backlash from conservative lawmakers and constituents. The resolution is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden ahead of the Friday deadline.
The bill, which received support mainly from Democrats, passed with 209 Democrats and just 127 Republicans voting in favor. This bipartisan support for the spending bill caused a divide within the GOP, prompting criticism from members of the House Freedom Caucus. The passing of the bill has also tarnished Johnson’s leadership in the eyes of conservative constituents who were hoping for significant spending cuts and border security measures.
The opposition to the bill was evident as the House Freedom Caucus released a statement expressing their dissatisfaction. They criticized the Continuing Resolution for its lack of spending reductions and border security measures, and voiced their disappointment in the absence of meaningful victories for the American people. Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, reiterated the caucus’s stance in an interview, stating that capitulating to the package would lead to the loss of support from the Republican base.
The failure to make spending cuts and allocate funds for border security has drawn criticism not only from within the GOP but also from conservative media outlets and commentators. Many have expressed disappointment in the lack of significant change under Speaker Johnson’s leadership, comparing it to the failed policies of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
In the wake of the passing of the Continuing Resolution, there is palpable tension within the GOP, with factions emerging between those who support the bill and those who oppose it. The divide has raised concerns about the party’s ability to present a unified front, particularly as the 2024 election approaches.
The passage of the bill has also sparked debates about the direction of the GOP and its commitment to conservative principles. Many are calling for bolder changes within the party, emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes fiscal responsibility and national security.
As the Senate prepares to take up the Continuing Resolution, the spotlight remains on the discord within the GOP and the implications for future legislative initiatives. The fate of the bill in the Senate will undoubtedly shape the conversations and debates surrounding the GOP’s path forward.
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