House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Wednesday defended his support for a government spending bill despite opposition from fellow Republicans, including key allies of newly elected President Trump.
Negotiators are working on a short-term extension of current government funding levels, known as a continuing resolution (CR). A bill must be passed by the House and Senate by the end of Friday, December 20, to prevent a partial government shutdown just before the holidays.
During a performance op “Fox and Friends,” Johnson said that while national debt and deficits are a concern, Republicans must pass “short-term emergency financing measures” while Democrats still control the White House and Senate.
“We have it at the center and when we start the new Congress in January, when the Republicans are in power and DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency) is working on all six cylinders, we will be able to scale . supports the size and scope of government,” he said.
Speaker Mike Johnson and Elon Musk are at odds over a bill that could lead to a government shutdown. (Jean Catuffe/GC Images/Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Johnson also said the move would ensure Republicans can control spending through 2025, describing it as an “impossible position.”
“This is the process of making sausage,” he added.
According to Johnson, the government has “no choice” and must push through the bill to ensure it emergency financing (FEMA) and farmers and ranchers.
The House Speaker also revealed that he has been in talks with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who will helm DOGE.
“Remember, guys, we still only have a razor-thin margin of Republicans. So any bill must get votes from Democrats. They understand the situation.” Johnson said, referring to the text exchange.
REPUBLICAN LEGISLATORS WALKED SPENDING BILL AS MIKE JOHNSON DEFENDED IT: ‘WE HAVE TO GET THIS DONE
U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson (R-LA) (L) speaks as House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) (R) listens during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on 17 December 2024 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
“They said it wasn’t directed at you, Mr. Chairman, but we don’t like the expenditure. I said, guess what, guys? Me neither. We have to get this done because this is the key. “We are cleaning up the house and preparing for the arrival of Trump, with the America First agenda,” he continued.
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Johnson received unanimous support to become chairman again earlier this year in closed-door elections in the House of Representatives, hours after Trump told lawmakers he was supporting him.
He will need nearly the same level of support in early January, when the entire House votes to elect a new speaker. With only a slim majority, Johnson can only afford to lose a few members of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives to still win the gavel.
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Elizabeth Elkind of Fox News contributed to this report.
