Speaker Johnson sticks by deal struck with Dems despite GOP complaints
by Emily Brooks - 01/12/24 11:24 AM ETSpeaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he is sticking by a top-line spending deal that he struck with congressional Democrats and the White House this month amid calls from hard-line conservatives to scrap the plan and come up with an alternative.
“After weeks of hard-fought negotiations, we achieved a strong top-line agreement that allows our appropriations committee and all those who work on this to complete the appropriations process. It’s an important part of keeping the government running,” Johnson said in a brief statement to the press.
“Our topline agreement remains,” Johnson later said. “We are getting our next steps together, and we are working toward a robust appropriations process. So stay tuned for all that.”
Johnson took no questions.
His statement did not stop some of those pushing him to rip up the agreement from holding out hope that the Speaker could push for some of their alternative plans.
“Well, he has not rescinded it yet. But I am quite certain he is legitimately considering alternatives,” said Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. He called for lower spending levels and a change in border policies.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4405098-speaker-johnson-spending-deal-in-place/
