Johnson’s wins and losses in last-minute spending bill negotiations

House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Victories and Setbacks in the 2024 Spending Bill

House Speaker ‍Mike Johnson (R-LA) navigated through the tumultuous waters of the last-minute minibus spending bill, striving to avert a looming government shutdown and secure vital funding. Released in‍ the dead of night, the $1 trillion, 1,012-page minibus package​ culminates​ a nearly yearlong saga ⁤of government funding negotiations, marking both triumphs and tribulations for Johnson.

Wins:

• Border Security: Johnson celebrated significant wins in border security appropriations, securing over $496 million to recruit 22,000 Border ​Patrol agents, the most extensive funding to date. Notably, increased funding of $283.5 million‌ facilitated⁢ acquiring cutting-edge border security technology, alongside the revival of $103.4 million ⁤for existing security tools like autonomous surveillance⁢ towers.
• Considerable provisions were made for detecting narcotics⁣ such as fentanyl, with a commendable $1.2 ⁣billion to counter narcotic flows.
• Enhanced overtime pay for Border Patrol agents and reinforcements in Customs and ⁤Border Protection personnel underscore Johnson’s dedication to fortifying the nation’s borders.

“The investments in border security stand out as a cornerstone ⁤of our efforts, fortifying our ⁤national defense,” highlighted Johnson in a⁢ resounding statement.

Losses:

• Border Security: Despite gains in ‍border security funding, Johnson faced ‍setbacks as⁣ Democrats underscored ​the absence of funds for the controversial ‌border wall⁤ projects. Measures such as supporting transgender detainees and ⁣aiding families‍ separated at the U.S.-Mexico border demonstrate the divergent ⁢views on border policies.

Wins:

• Hawkish‍ Defense Spending: Prioritizing​ national ⁣defense,⁢ Johnson championed a $27 billion boost in defense ‍allocations, emphasizing strategies to counter China and bolster military capabilities.
• Key provisions include amplifying munitions production, escalating security collaboration with Taiwan, and withholding funding for specific virology institutions.
• Noteworthy budget cuts were executed in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, alongside announcing ⁣a substantial pay raise for military service‍ members.

Losses:

• Failure of DEI Reduction Efforts: While efforts to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion programs were part of Johnson’s agenda,⁣ resistance from Democrats thwarted substantial changes in the bill. Republicans faced defeat in curtailing DEI ⁣initiatives ‍across various government sectors, signaling the resilience of such programs in today’s political landscape.

Explore further insights‌ from the ⁤Washington Examiner on this topic.

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