Chairman Johnson proposes a two-stage interim budget plan without cuts
At least five Republican hardliners in the U.S. House of Representatives voice their opposition.
This can only be done if we join hands with the Democratic Party… Aftereffects when collaborating
The crisis of a U.S. federal government shutdown (temporary business suspension) is escalating again as hardliners within the party express opposition to the second-stage stopgap budget proposed by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican, Louisiana).
Even if more than five Republican hardliners vote against it, Chairman Johnson can join hands with the Democratic Party and pass the budget bill. However, in this case, it is expected to face strong opposition from hardliners within the party, such as former Chairman Kevin McCarthy (Republican, California), who was dismissed midway.
According to Fox News on the 13th (local time), as of this morning, at least five Republican congressmen announced that they would oppose Chairman Johnson’s bill.
These are hard-line lawmakers within the party, including Chip Roy (Texas), Warren Davidson (Ohio), Bob Good (Virginia), Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia), and George Santos (New York). They are protesting, saying that Chairman Johnson’s plan did not include a plan to cut the government budget.
If the U.S. Congress fails to pass next year’s budget by the 17th, the federal government will be shut down.
Accordingly, on the 11th, Chairman Johnson announced a second-stage provisional budget plan that applies until January 19th of next year for the budget for areas with relatively less controversy, and until February 2nd for the remaining areas. It is evaluated as a ‘clean’ interim budget plan with no government spending cuts or so-called toxic provisions.
Although there are only a few hard-line Republican lawmakers who have expressed opposing views, their voices cannot be overlooked. The US Republican Party currently controls the House of Representatives, but if more than five members defect, it will be impossible to pass the bill. It is a structure that can hinder a few people.
Even if a significant number of people oppose it, it is possible to pass the bill with the help of the Democratic Party. Although Democratic House members are opposed to the bill, local media reports that some will vote in favor as it omits spending cuts.
However, if Chairman Johnson joins hands with the Democratic Party, it is clear that the backlash from hardliners within the party will increase. His predecessor, former Chairman McCarthy, joined hands with the Democratic Party to prevent a government shutdown last September, but was dismissed by hardliners. From Chairman Johnson’s perspective, collaboration with the Democratic Party is a ‘poisoned chalice.’
However, if the opinions of minority groups within the party are accepted and government spending cuts and various ancillary provisions are included, opposition from the Democratic Party is expected. Unlike the House of Representatives, the Senate is dominated by the Democratic Party, so it is also important whether the Democratic Party can accept it.
Chairman Johnson is expected to first submit the second phase interim budget to the full House of Representatives for a vote on the 14th.
Fox News commented, “Chairman Johnson appears to have started his term with more good intentions than his ousted predecessor, but cracks are beginning to show due to this fight over the temporary budget.”
[워싱턴=뉴시스]
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.