Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced Friday morning a new proposal, Plan C, to avert a looming government shutdown, with a House vote expected later in the day. However, Republican lawmakers remain divided, and consensus has yet to be reached.
“We have a plan,” Johnson stated as he entered the Capitol. “Votes are on the schedule for this morning. Stay tuned.” Despite his remarks, the details of Plan C remain unclear, and lawmakers exiting his office reported no final agreement.
“We’re not there yet,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus, urging caution against assuming a deal is imminent.
The clock is ticking as government funding is set to expire at midnight, raising the risk of a partial shutdown.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), speaking on CNBC, expressed hope that a shutdown could be avoided, suggesting a short-term continuing resolution (CR) might serve as a temporary fix. “A clean CR for two or three weeks could be the path forward,” Mullin said, while noting it’s just one of several options.
Efforts inside Speaker Johnson’s office are focused on addressing GOP concerns after the failure of Plan B, which was voted down Thursday night. Some lawmakers expressed optimism that ongoing talks could result in a workable compromise.
“I believe we’ll align with President Trump’s priorities and unify our party,” said Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), adding that the failed vote might have pushed negotiators closer to an agreement.
A major sticking point is the inclusion of a debt ceiling increase in the funding bill, a move opposed by both conservative Republicans and Democrats. Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) reiterated his stance, saying, “I will not support a debt ceiling increase without substantial spending cuts and fiscal reforms.”
Plan B, which failed Thursday night, included a three-month funding extension, $110 billion for disaster and agricultural aid, other policy measures, and a two-year debt ceiling suspension. Though backed by former President Trump, the proposal fell short, marking a significant setback for Speaker Johnson.
Friday’s vote represents a critical moment for Johnson as he tries to balance the demands of a divided GOP caucus with the need to secure approval from the Democratic-controlled Senate and the Biden administration.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) strongly opposed tying a debt ceiling increase to the funding bill, calling it a “hard pass.” Meanwhile, conservative Republicans criticized the absence of spending cuts in such proposals.
As time runs out, Johnson met with members of the House Freedom Caucus, Trump administration figures, and other GOP leaders to forge a path forward. “We’ll get it done,” pledged GOP Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), though uncertainty remains.