Mike Johnson contemplates direct negotiations with White House on border security
Speaker Mike Johnson Weighs Direct Negotiations with White House on Border Security
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is considering a bold move in the ongoing battle over border security. In a private conference call with freshman members of the House Republican Conference, Johnson floated the idea of negotiating directly with President Joe Biden, bypassing the Senate’s lead role in talks. This potential shift comes as the issue becomes entangled with fights over government funding and Ukraine.
While Johnson is still weighing the possibility of these direct conversations, the Senate currently holds the reins, according to sources familiar with the matter. Senate negotiators aim to present a framework for a border deal when lawmakers reconvene in Washington next week.
However, Johnson has made it clear that significant border security reforms must be implemented for the House to approve Biden’s $100 billion supplemental request for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Some members have even taken a harder stance, insisting that government funding should not be approved unless border policy changes are enacted. The rallying cry of “Shut down the border or shut down the government” echoes among the most conservative members of Johnson’s conference.
The urgency of the situation is heightened by the impending expiration of four appropriations bills on January 19, with the remaining eight set to lapse on February 2. While Johnson has been engaged in talks regarding spending levels, the short time frame increases the likelihood of a government shutdown.
In response to the White House’s handling of the border crisis and their attempt to blame Republicans, Johnson’s communications director, Raj Shah, circulated a memo criticizing their actions. Johnson has previously called on Biden to take executive action on the border, separate from any legislative solutions.
Stay informed on this developing story by clicking here.
Why is the impending expiration of four appropriations bills increasing the likelihood of a government shutdown
Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, is contemplating a bold move in the ongoing battle over border security. In a private conference call with freshman members of the House Republican Conference, Johnson floated the idea of negotiating directly with President Joe Biden, bypassing the Senate’s lead role in talks. This potential shift comes at a time when the issue of border security is becoming entangled with fights over government funding and Ukraine.
While Johnson is still considering the possibility of these direct conversations, sources familiar with the matter confirm that the Senate currently holds the reins. Senate negotiators aim to present a framework for a border deal when lawmakers reconvene in Washington next week.
However, Johnson has made it abundantly clear that significant border security reforms must be implemented for the House to approve Biden’s $100 billion supplemental request for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Some members have even taken a harder stance, insisting that government funding should not be approved unless there are enacted changes to border policy. The rallying cry of “Shut down the border or shut down the government” echoes among the most conservative members of Johnson’s conference.
The urgency of the situation is heightened by the impending expiration of four appropriations bills on January 19, with the remaining eight set to lapse on February 2. While Johnson has been engaged in talks regarding spending levels, the short time frame increases the likelihood of a government shutdown.
In response to the White House’s handling of the border crisis and their attempt to blame Republicans, Johnson’s communications director, Raj Shah, circulated a memo criticizing their actions. Johnson has previously called on Biden to take executive action on the border, separate from any legislative solutions.
For more information and to stay informed on this developing story, please click here.
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