Speaker Johnson’s plan to avert government shutdown faces resistance; Schumer tentatively supports. House Republicans divided.
I. Speaker’s Plan for Government Shutdown Avoidance
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s strategy to prevent a partial government shutdown gains traction but faces resistance.
II. Schumer’s Tentative Support
Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer expresses tentative support for Johnson’s proposal, emphasizing its avoidance of sharp spending cuts.
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III. House Republicans’ Divided Stance
Within the House, at least seven fellow Republicans oppose Johnson’s two-step continuing resolution (CR), hindering its progression.
IV. Opposition from Hardline Republicans
Prominent hardliner Representative Chip Roy criticizes the CR for lacking spending cuts, conservative policies, and extending food assistance for poor families.
V. Evaluation by Top House Democrat
Top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries carefully evaluates Johnson’s proposal, highlighting the ongoing deliberations within the Democratic camp.
VI. Unusual Funding Deadline Structure
Johnson’s CR features a unique funding deadline structure for different government sectors, presenting challenges and opportunities for bipartisan support.
VII. Moody’s Credit Rating Downgrade
Moody’s recent credit rating outlook downgrade adds urgency to the fiscal discussions, with concerns about high interest rates and a $1.695 trillion deficit.
VIII. Congress’s Third Fiscal Showdown
The current fiscal standoff marks Congress’s third this year, following tensions over the nation’s $31 trillion debt earlier in the spring.
IX. Implications of Government Shutdown
The looming deadline heightens concerns about disrupting pay for federal workers, closing national parks, and impacting financial oversight and scientific research.
X. Johnson’s Strategy for Bipartisan Support
Johnson’s plan aims to appeal to both hardline Republicans and centrists by combining different funding deadlines and avoiding controversial provisions.
XI. White House Critique and Evaluation
The White House criticizes the plan as chaotic but acknowledges its potential as negotiations unfold. The proposed defense spending deadline becomes a focal point.
XII. House Republicans’ Vote Challenge
House Republicans aim for a Tuesday vote, but uncertainty looms over whether they can secure enough votes without Democratic support.
XIII. Benchmark of Success
The benchmark of success for House Republicans lies in achieving the 217 votes needed to pass the CR, reminiscent of past internal conflicts and leadership changes.
XIV. Fiscal Disagreements Over 2024 Spending
Disagreements persist over discretionary spending for fiscal 2024, with divisions on the proposed $1.59 trillion level and hardliners pushing for a lower figure.
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XV. Broader Fiscal Context
The fiscal discord within Congress centers on a fraction of the total U.S. budget, with mandatory outlays for Social Security and Medicare contributing to the broader fiscal landscape.
XVI. Total U.S. Spending Overview
Total U.S. spending surpasses $6.1 trillion in fiscal 2023, underlining the complexity of fiscal discussions amid internal party conflicts and broader economic considerations.