"Speaker Mike Johnson's Plan to Avert Shutdown Hinges on Democratic Support Amid GOP Opposition"

Newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to avert a government shutdown is facing opposition from enough Republican hard-liners that he will need Democratic votes to pass it. Johnson's two-step government plan, described as a "laddered CR," has been criticized by some Republicans for lacking spending reductions, border security, and policy wins. With a slim GOP majority, Johnson can only afford to lose a few Republican votes, making Democratic support crucial. The plan has two different deadlines to keep different parts of the government functioning, and if passed by the House, the Senate would need to act by Friday night to avoid a shutdown.