Johnson 'handcuffed' by Freedom Caucus as GOP reps 'privately worried' about shutdown: report

26 February 2024

As House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) finds himself in the same situation as his predecessor, US Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), several conservative lawmakers "are privately worried" that "a full government shutdown" could happen as early as next week, according to an exclusive Axios report.

McCarthy was ousted in September after he made a deal with the Democrats in order to avoid a government shut down. Johnson not only faces a shutdown if he agrees to negotiate with Democratic colleagues, but he also is at risk of alienation from the far-right House Freedom Caucus.

One Republican told Axios Johnson is "handcuffed" by the far-right members.

"We feel like there's no plan, morale is really low," another GOP House member told the news outlet.

Axios notes, "A partial government shutdown starts this weekend absent a new budget or spending stopgap," and referring to how Freedom Caucus members would feel about a partial shutdown, another Republican lawmaker said, "I think it could whet their appetite."

One GOP leader added, "The shutdown won't work no matter what we do, but especially because our messaging has been all over the place."

Axios' full report is available here.

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