House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was optimistic that he can unite his caucus and quickly pass the amended appropriations legislation to end the partial government shutdown that took effect late last week.
The Senate managed to pass the spending bills that cleared the House earlier this month, with the exception of one funding the Department of Homeland Security. Instead, a two-week extension funding the agency was agreed on by both parties, but that change has left the House with more business than expected, as it must now vote again on the legislation keeping the government open.
With votes expected on Monday as the House returns from a one-week recess, Johnson predicted that the shutdown will end by Tuesday.
“I’m confident that we’ll do it at least by Tuesday,” Johnson said on NBC News’s Meet the Press. “We have a logistical challenge of getting everyone in town, and because of the conversation I had with Hakeem Jeffries, I know that we’ve got to pass a rule and probably do this mostly on our own. I think that’s very unfortunate.”
Despite his confidence, Johnson’s timeline may be imperiled by House Democrats digging in on their demand for reforms to DHS agencies, as well as some Republicans seeking changes of their own to the spending legislation.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) signaled on Sunday that his caucus wants “an agreement” from House Republicans on DHS reform. He also reportedly warned Johnson over the weekend not to expect any Democrat votes without it.
THE SENATE PUSHED DHS FUNDING INTO THE HOUSE’S ARMS. WHAT’S NEXT?
On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Anna Pauline Luna (R-FL) has indicated that she and some of her colleagues want to attach the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote, to the funding legislation.
She hardened on that demand on Sunday, saying it is her “price for a ‘yes’ vote” on the bills.
Rachel Schilke contributed to this report.
