Speaker Mike Johnson's Struggle to Avert Shutdown Relies on Democratic Support

Speaker Mike Johnson is facing GOP defections on his plan to fund the government, requiring Democratic support to avoid a shutdown. At least seven conservatives have already stated they will vote against Johnson's proposal, and more may join. Johnson can only afford to lose three Republicans on his funding bill. The White House criticized the plan, but President Biden did not commit to vetoing it. Some Democrats are open to the plan as the best deal they can get with a Republican-controlled House and a potential shutdown looming. Johnson's two-step continuing resolution (CR) does not include spending cuts or other contentious issues, but extends the farm bill through Sept. 30. The House will vote on the CR rule on Tuesday, and Johnson may need Democratic support to pass it. Senators are also devising a backup plan in case Johnson's approach fails in the House.