Dems prepare to save another GOP speaker from a shutdown

Politico: The dynamics within the U.S. Congress regarding a stopgap spending bill proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, in a private Democratic caucus meeting, highlighted the benefits of the bill for the Democrats, noting it contains no spending cuts or controversial add-ons. Despite not formally instructing Democrats how to vote, it’s anticipated that they will largely support the bill to prevent a government shutdown. This support is crucial as many House Republicans, demanding steep spending cuts, are expected to oppose it.

Jeffries, having had discussions with Johnson, remained non-committal publicly but recognized the bill’s lack of divisive provisions. The Democratic support might mirror their near-unanimous backing of a similar bill in September. Even Rep.

However, the bill does not address a key Democratic demand: foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel. With the bill extending the funding deadline to January, the prospect of providing aid to these countries within this timeframe is uncertain, especially considering the Republicans’ stance on related funding.

On the Republican side, Speaker Johnson faced criticism from conservative members like Rep. Chip Roy for not adopting a more combative approach. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), one Republican who opposes the package, criticized the strategy as being willing to “acquiesce to the Senate.”

“I think we’re surrendering without putting up the appropriate fight,” Ogles said.

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