Tue Sep 10 16:58:08 UTC 2024: ## House Republicans Oppose Short-Term Spending Plan, Putting Shutdown Risk in Play
**Washington, D.C.** – A growing number of House Republicans, including conservative and defense-minded members, are opposing Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) proposed stopgap spending plan, jeopardizing its passage and raising the specter of a government shutdown.
The plan, which would maintain current spending levels until March 28, has already garnered opposition from Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Matt Rosendale (R-MT). They are now joined by Representatives Tim Burchett (R-TN), Jim Banks (R-IN), Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Cory Mills (R-FL).
Conservatives oppose the short-term spending bill on principle, viewing it as a continuation of high spending policies. They have not been swayed by the inclusion of the “SAVE Act,” a controversial bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections.
Meanwhile, defense hawks like Rep. Rogers oppose the plan due to concerns that it will negatively impact defense spending.
Rep. Mills, who has never supported a continuing resolution, expressed his opposition to the plan, highlighting his concern that it perpetuates an economic crisis and uses the resolution as a political tool.
“How can I continue these continuing resolutions… knowing it’s driving us into economic collapse, and trying to play politics with continuing resolutions for a policy rider that we know that we’re not prepared to actually see the fight all the way through?” Mills questioned.
Despite this opposition, the Speaker may have a slim chance if Democrats experience absences. However, with such a significant number of Republicans against the plan, Speaker Johnson will need to convince his colleagues to support it. Failure to pass the bill in the House would embolden Democrats to push forward with their own plan, which would extend the funding deadline to mid-December and set the stage for another year-end spending fight.
Several Republicans have acknowledged that Congress will need to pass a clean short-term spending bill to avoid a shutdown starting on October 1st. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats have vowed not to support the House GOP plan. President Biden has also threatened to veto it if it reaches his desk.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) accused the Speaker of setting up a “fake fight” for the SAVE Act and claimed that the plan will ultimately extend President Biden’s budget. She urged Speaker Johnson to be honest with the American people about his intentions.
With the clock ticking down to the October 1st deadline, the fate of the government hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen whether Speaker Johnson can rally enough support to pass his spending plan and avert a shutdown.
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