Speaker Johnson Faces GOP Revolt Over Stopgap Spending Bill

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Speaker Johnson Faces GOP Revolt Over Stopgap Spending Bill \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ With a government shutdown deadline looming, House Speaker Mike Johnson struggles to secure Republican support for a stopgap funding bill. Hard-right conservatives, led by Elon Musk, fiercely oppose the measure, citing increased spending and lawmaker pay raises. While Democrats may help push the bill through, Johnson’s reliance on President-elect Donald Trump’s endorsement underscores the GOP’s internal divisions as it prepares to lead the government.

GOP Divided Over Spending Bill as Shutdown Nears: Quick Looks

Speaker Mike Johnson’s 1,500-page stopgap bill faces backlash from hardline Republicans, including Elon Musk.
The bill includes $100 billion for disaster aid and $10 billion for farmers but is criticized for spending increases.
Lawmakers’ potential pay raises spark outrage amid stalled productivity in Congress.
Democrats may help pass the measure, as federal funding runs out Friday at midnight.
Provisions include rebuilding Baltimore’s Key Bridge and transferring RFK Stadium land to D.C.

Deep Look

House Speaker Mike Johnson is racing against the clock to prevent a government shutdown, but his proposed stopgap spending bill has sparked fierce opposition within his own party. Hard-right conservatives, led by Elon Musk, have rallied against the 1,500-page measure, which funds federal agencies through March 2025 and includes provisions for disaster relief, infrastructure, and health care. The showdown highlights deep divisions in the Republican Party as it prepares to control Congress and the White House.

Musk’s Influence and GOP Resistance

The bill faces an onslaught of criticism from conservative lawmakers and President-elect Donald Trump’s allies, including Elon Musk, now heading the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk denounced the measure on X, his social media platform, calling it an “outrageous spending bill” and threatening political retribution against lawmakers who support it.

“Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this deserves to be voted out in 2 years!” Musk warned.

Musk’s opposition carries weight, given his role in Trump’s victory and his ability to mobilize funds through his America PAC. His stance has further divided Republicans, many of whom are waiting for Trump’s direction on whether to support or reject the bill.

A Contentious Package

The stopgap bill goes beyond routine funding to include a range of provisions aimed at addressing urgent needs and long-term goals:

Disaster Relief: $100.4 billion in aid for states impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, alongside $10 billion for farmers.
Infrastructure: Federal funding to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, destroyed in a cargo ship collision.
Health Care: Extends telehealth coverage for Medicare enrollees and limits profits for pharmacy benefits managers.
RFK Stadium Land Transfer: Transfers ownership of the old stadium site to D.C., potentially paving the way for a new Washington Commanders stadium.
Countering China: Expands restrictions on U.S. investments in high-tech industries in nations deemed national security threats, continuing efforts to curb China’s ambitions.

Despite these provisions, the bill has been slammed by conservatives for its spending levels and inclusion of a long-frozen lawmaker pay raise.

The Pay Raise Controversy

The bill lifts a pay freeze enacted in 2009, potentially allowing a 3.8% salary increase in 2025, raising annual pay to $180,600. Many lawmakers expressed outrage, citing Congress’s stalled productivity and declining public trust.

“By what measure do we deserve a pay increase?” asked Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C.

Congressional salaries have not been adjusted for inflation, resulting in a 31% decline in real value since 2009, according to a Congressional Research Service report. Still, critics argue that approving raises amid legislative gridlock sends the wrong message.

Democrats to the Rescue?

As Johnson struggles to unify his party, Democrats have signaled a willingness to support the bill, ensuring its passage and averting a shutdown. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation.

“As always, bipartisan cooperation must lead the way – we can’t have last-minute delays or grandstanding,” Schumer said.

Without the stopgap measure, federal funding will lapse at midnight Friday, halting essential government operations.

Republican Disarray and Trump’s Role

The chaos surrounding the bill underscores challenges facing Republicans as they prepare to control the House, Senate, and White House next year. Speaker Johnson, like his predecessors, has struggled to rally his party around essential government operations.

The lack of clear direction from President-elect Trump has added to the uncertainty. While Trump has frequently criticized federal spending, he has not weighed in on whether lawmakers should support or oppose the measure. Retiring Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, summed up the confusion in a pointed X post:

“What does President Trump want Republicans to do: vote for the CR or shut down government? Absent direction, confusion reigns.”

Internal GOP Frustration

Hardline Republicans, including members of the Freedom Caucus, expressed disappointment with the legislative process. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., called the bill a “junk sandwich,” using an expletive to emphasize her disdain.

Meanwhile, Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., acknowledged frustrations:

“A lot of lawmakers are a little disappointed at how this last week has worked out.”

The Broader Implications

The spending bill highlights broader issues plaguing Congress, from rising partisanship to the influence of wealthy individuals like Musk. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland warned of the dangers posed by an oligarchy.

“A handful of wealthy people run everything, and everyone is supposed to live in fear of them,” Raskin said.

Conclusion

As the Friday deadline looms, the fate of Speaker Johnson’s stopgap spending bill remains uncertain. The struggle to pass the measure reveals deep fissures within the GOP, amplified by the influence of figures like Elon Musk and the looming shadow of President-elect Trump. With government operations hanging in the balance, Congress faces a critical test of leadership and unity in the coming days.