House Speaker Mike Johnson introduces two-step funding bill to avert government shutdown

Over the weekend, the House Speaker Mike Johnson came up with new plan, which consists of two different packages, to avoid the partial government shutdown. He suggested extending the funding for some agencies and programs until January 19, and continuing for others until February 2.

The approach seems to be unusual for a stopgap spending bill, as normally the lawmakers extend funding until a certain date for all programs. Addressing the concerns from GOP lawmakers seeking to avoid being presented with a massive spending bill just before holidays, Johnson decided to go with the combination approach.

In a statement, post discussing it with the GOP lawmakers, the Speaker stated, “This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories.” He added that the bill will stop the absurd holiday-season tradition of massive spending bills introduced right before the Christmas recess.

Speaking over the excluding funds requested by President Biden for Ukraine, Israel and U.S. border with Mexico, Johnson said that it will place our “conference in the best position to fight for fiscal responsibility.”