Late last week, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., unveiled proposals to use a continuing resolution (CR) to extend federal funding levels until March of this year. This will allow House negotiators additional time to finalize the fiscal year 2021–2022 spending priorities.
With a razor-thin House majority of just four votes, Johnson can afford little margin for error even though former President Donald Trump has endorsed the plan.
Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., as well as Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., informed reporters on Monday that they are all against.
Mills stated, “I’ve made it known that I won’t be participating in the CR. “As far as I’m concerned, this is nothing more than messaging.”
Burchett was contacted by News to clarify his position.
Last week, Massie stated to News that he thought Johnson made a mistake by not pressing for a longer CR. A CR that extends into April 30 would automatically result in a 1% reduction in the government budget, according to a bipartisan agreement that was passed last year.
It is annexed to a law sponsored by Republicans that requires proof of citizenship in order to register voters.
As of Monday night, at least five House Republicans have expressed opposition to the idea, which means Johnson will almost surely require Democratic support to pass.
