New GOP plan may lead to recurring government shutdowns in coming months.
House Speaker Floats Unique Strategy to Avert Government Shutdown
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has proposed an intriguing plan to prevent a government shutdown that is looming just two weeks away. His idea involves passing a “laddered” continuing resolution, which would extend funding for individual government agencies for varying durations.
Johnson revealed on Thursday that House Republicans are considering this new stopgap funding measure. He recently met with the Senate GOP conference to discuss a temporary spending bill that would run through Jan. 15. However, he hinted at the new approach during a press briefing the following day.
Thinking Outside the Box
“Initially, my idea was to extend funding until Jan. 15 to get us beyond the Christmas rush,” Johnson explained. ”But some of my colleagues have come up with other ideas. One suggestion that was pitched this morning, to be completely honest with you, is a laddered CR.”
The concept of a “laddered” continuing resolution seems to involve setting up a series of rolling shutdown deadlines. This would put pressure on specific government agencies to pass their own funding bills, potentially leading to a partial shutdown.
“I will provide more details on what this means in the coming days, but essentially, it would involve extending individual pieces of the appropriations process through a CR,” Johnson elaborated, acknowledging that the specifics are still unclear.
Sources familiar with the Republican conference revealed that Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) initiated the discussion on the ”laddered” continuing resolution.
Seeking a Clear Path
With the Nov. 17 deadline fast approaching, House Republicans are working diligently to find a way to avoid a shutdown. Johnson is determined to pass the 12 appropriations bills separately, rather than bundling unrelated spending measures into omnibus packages, a strategy favored by the Senate.
While uncertainty remains about the exact measures House Republicans will employ to keep the government funded, there is a shared desire within the conference to promptly pass a funding bill.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to Harris and Johnson’s offices for further comment.
What are the benefits of funding government agencies on a case-by-case basis through Speaker Johnson’s proposal?
Cies on a case-by-case basis, rather than funding the entire government all at once.
The concept of a “laddered” continuing resolution is an innovative and strategic approach to avoid a government shutdown. With the deadline quickly approaching, Speaker Johnson’s proposal offers a tangible solution that could potentially alleviate the negative consequences associated with a shutdown.
Traditionally, when faced with the threat of a government shutdown, lawmakers have engaged in tense negotiations to pass a comprehensive spending bill to fund all government agencies. However, this often leads to partisan gridlock and ideological disagreements, resulting in a stalemate that jeopardizes the functioning of the government.
Speaker Johnson’s plan offers an alternative approach, recognizing that not all government agencies are of equal importance or urgency. By introducing a ”laddered” continuing resolution, funding would be extended on a case-by-case basis for individual agencies, prioritizing the most essential ones first. This strategy allows for a more targeted and pragmatic approach, ensuring the vital functions of the government remain active while negotiations continue for the remaining agencies.
The benefits of this proposal are twofold. Firstly, it provides a practical solution to prevent a government shutdown, which would have widespread implications for both the public and the economy. A shutdown could lead to furloughs for government employees, delayed payments to contractors, closure of national parks, and disruptions in essential services. By funding agencies on a prioritized basis, Speaker Johnson’s plan ensures the continuation of crucial services without impacting the entire government apparatus.
Secondly, a “laddered” continuing resolution could potentially break the cycle of political brinkmanship that has become all too common in budget negotiations. By focusing on individual agencies, lawmakers can avoid getting entangled in broader ideological battles. This approach allows for a more efficient allocation of resources, as agencies with pressing needs can receive immediate funding while less urgent matters are addressed separately.
Of course, there are challenges and potential drawbacks to consider. Implementing a “laddered” continuing resolution would require significant coordination and strategic planning. It would also require careful consideration of the criteria to prioritize agencies, as this process could potentially be subject to partisan maneuvers. Additionally, there might be concerns about the potential for piecemeal funding to create inequities or imbalances across government agencies.
However, Speaker Johnson’s proposal offers a unique and viable strategy to avert a government shutdown, providing a pathway to ensure essential services and operations continue uninterrupted. It demonstrates that innovative thinking and pragmatic solutions can be employed to navigate through divisive political environments.
As the deadline for government funding fast approaches, it is crucial for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to seriously consider alternative approaches to prevent yet another damaging shutdown. Speaker Johnson’s proposal presents a valuable opportunity to break the cycle of political stalemates and prioritize effective governance.
At a time when the country continues to grapple with the challenges of the ongoing pandemic and economic recovery, a government shutdown is a scenario that can be ill-afforded. It is essential that lawmakers exercise their responsibility to find common ground and proactively work towards implementing effective and sustainable solutions for the functioning of the government. Speaker Johnson’s proposal serves as a reminder that unique strategies can lead to pragmatic results in navigating complex political landscapes.
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