McConnell-Johnson relationship faces first major test with looming shutdown

The upcoming government shutdown will test Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's ability to work with new Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson introduced a two-step continuing resolution to prevent a shutdown, but it does not include funding for Ukraine and Israel, which McConnell and other senior Senate Republicans have identified as urgent national security priorities. Some GOP senators prefer a shorter extension of government funding to allow Congress to finish work on annual funding bills. If Johnson's proposal passes, McConnell may face pressure from conservatives to support it. If not, McConnell may team up with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass a bipartisan stopgap measure.