House Speaker Mike Johnson is struggling to pass his one-bill agenda, facing pushback from Senate Republicans and conservative groups who favor a two-part approach.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing a growing challenge in his pursuit of a single, comprehensive bill encompassing tax reform , border security, and defense spending, a strategy wholeheartedly championed by President Donald Trump . Johnson's efforts have been bolstered by his frequent appearances with Trump at sporting events, aiming to solidify the president's support for this ambitious legislative package.
However, Senate Republicans, also vying for Trump's favor, are pushing for a two-part approach, delaying tax cuts until later in the year. This internal Republican division was evident on Sunday as both Johnson and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a key advocate for the two-part plan, shared Trump's box at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Graham, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, has been actively lobbying for a border and defense bill that Trump could sign within his first 100 days, while simultaneously fostering close relationships with the president through dinners at Mar-a-Lago and rounds of golf.Despite Trump's initial preference for the one-bill strategy, seeing it as the most streamlined approach given Johnson's narrow majority in the House, Senate Republicans are confident that the president will eventually grow impatient with Johnson's slow progress. Johnson, despite days of negotiations at the Capitol and White House, remains a few weeks behind schedule in releasing a bill framework. This delay has further fueled tensions, with Graham publicly expressing his frustration on Twitter, stating that Johnson is overlooking the realities of the situation. The Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative House Republicans, has also demanded $2.5 trillion in upfront spending cuts before allowing Johnson to proceed with the one-bill plan, adding another layer of complexity to Johnson's already precarious position. Johnson's success hinges on navigating these competing interests and maintaining Trump's support. However, he faces a formidable challenge, as the Senate, the Freedom Caucus, and even some White House officials, including Stephen Miller, Trump's domestic policy adviser, favor a border-first strategy. Johnson's past escapes from congressional gridlock have relied heavily on Trump's backing, particularly during his reelection as speaker in January and his survival of an ouster attempt in May. However, Trump's own preference for a simpler legislative process and his openness to the Senate's proposal, despite his initial endorsement of Johnson's one-bill approach, leaves Johnson vulnerable. Ultimately, Johnson must balance the demands of House tax writers who believe Trump's 2017 tax cuts require sweeteners like border security funding with the pressure to deliver a bill to Trump's desk by Memorial Day. His success will depend on his ability to unite these factions and steer the legislative process in a direction that satisfies both the House and the president
MIKE JOHNSON REPUBLICAN PARTY DONALD TRUMP LEGISLATION TAX REFORM BORDER SECURITY
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
House Speaker Johnson Eyes 'Aggressive' Legislative Agenda, Faces GOP Budget PushbackHouse Speaker Mike Johnson pledged an aggressive legislative agenda, aiming to advance a wide-ranging package of bills requested by President Trump. However, he faces internal pressure from conservative Republicans demanding substantial spending cuts. Johnson emphasized the importance of building consensus within the narrow GOP majority while outlining key priorities like border security, energy dominance, and restoring 'common sense'.
Read more »
House Speaker Johnson Suggests Conditions on Aid for California WildfiresHouse Speaker Mike Johnson signaled a potential political battle over aiding California in its wildfire recovery efforts, stating that any aid should come with 'conditions'. He pointed to leadership failures in California as contributing factors to the disaster, echoing sentiments expressed by President-elect Trump. Johnson's stance, suggesting a link between aid and the debt limit increase, could lead to a partisan clash in Congress, requiring bipartisan support to pass any final relief proposal.
Read more »
House Speaker Johnson orders Capitol flags to full staff for Trump inaugurationFlags in Washington, DC flying at half-staff in honor of Jimmy Carter, Dec. 30
Read more »
Massie Dropped From House Rules Committee After Opposing Speaker JohnsonRep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., is removed from the powerful House Rules Committee after being the only Republican to vote against Speaker Mike Johnson in the recent leadership election.
Read more »
House Speaker Johnson Orders Full Staff Flags for Trump Inauguration, Overruling Biden's Half-Staff ProclamationIn a move that directly counters President Biden's order, House Speaker Mike Johnson has decreed that flags at the U.S. Capitol will be flown at full-staff on January 20th for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. This decision has sparked debate, with some praising Johnson's move to celebrate the occasion while others criticize it for disregarding the national mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter.
Read more »
House Speaker Johnson Orders Flags at Full Staff for Trump InaugurationIn a move defying President Biden's order, House Speaker Mike Johnson has instructed that flags at the U.S. Capitol be raised to full staff on January 20th, the day of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. This decision overrides Biden's proclamation to fly flags at half-staff for 30 days in honor of the late former President Jimmy Carter.
Read more »