Senior congressional correspondent Chad Pergram provides the latest update on the southern border crisis on ‘Your World.’ House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, is preparing to address his GOP conference in person on Wednesday morning for the first time since a bipartisan deal was reached to avoid a government shutdown. Lawmakers are facing upcoming deadlines to fund various government agencies, and negotiations are underway to secure funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2024.
Johnson recently announced that he and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, have agreed to extend the deadlines to give negotiators more time to reach a funding agreement. The new deadlines are set for March 1 and March 8, respectively. This extension has sparked discussions among House Republicans, who will gather for their weekly conference meeting to address the path forward for government funding.
There is anticipation of a potential showdown within the party over the short-term spending bill known as a continuing resolution (CR). Some Republicans are expected to resist the CR, leading to more opposition than in previous votes. Despite this, support from both Republicans and Democrats is likely to secure the passage of the short-term extension. However, Johnson may face criticism from members of his own party, particularly those on the right, during the closed-door conference meeting.
The House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republicans, has voiced opposition to any more CRs. Representative Warren Davidson, a member of the Freedom Caucus, expressed disappointment in the agreement, calling it a “surrender.” The group released a statement labeling the deal as a means to buy time for longer-term spending bills that align with Democratic policies.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how Johnson will navigate the differing opinions within his party and work towards securing funding for the government. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the functioning of various government agencies and services.
Elizabeth Elkind, a reporter for Digital, is closely monitoring developments in Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. For the latest updates on the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected]. Stay informed with the latest politics content by subscribing to the newsletter.
