Some Republicans Call For Speaker Johnson's Replacement, You Support This?

Democrats Take Advantage Of GOP Problems

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) issued a strong warning on Wednesday, claiming that Democrats will oppose any federal spending bill that deviates from the bipartisan deal struck just a day earlier. Jeffries accused Republican leaders of backtracking on the agreement, putting the nation at risk of a government shutdown. In his statement, Jeffries highlighted the growing backlash among conservatives against the negotiated continuing resolution (CR), including opposition from figures like President-elect Donald Trump. He cautioned that if a shutdown occurs, Republicans will bear full responsibility for the political and economic fallout.

“House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government, harming the very working-class Americans they claim to represent,” Jeffries declared on X (formerly Twitter). “If they break the bipartisan agreement, they will own the consequences that follow.”

This warning came as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces increasing pressure from conservative forces both in Congress and outside of it. Johnson is contemplating scrapping the current CR and replacing it with a “clean” spending bill, one that excludes many of the provisions negotiated with Democrats. These provisions include critical economic support for American farmers and $100 billion in emergency aid for communities affected by natural disasters across the country.

Among the most vocal critics of the deal is billionaire Elon Musk, a staunch Trump ally, who is leading efforts to trim down the spending package. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance also joined the chorus, urging Republicans to reject the bipartisan bill in favor of a leaner alternative. They argue that Republicans should prioritize supporting farmers, funding disaster relief, and preparing the country for a successful 2025—without conceding to “Democrat giveaways.” According to Trump and Vance, anything less would amount to a betrayal of the country.

The pressure from conservatives poses a significant challenge for Speaker Johnson and other GOP leaders, who are racing against the clock to secure government funding before the looming shutdown deadline on Friday. With the GOP’s slim majority in the House, any significant defections could spell disaster. Uniting his divided party could prove difficult, especially since many Republicans have historically opposed continuing resolutions and are unlikely to support a compromise with Democrats.

Meanwhile, Democrats are content to let Republicans manage the fallout if they abandon the bipartisan deal. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), the senior Democrat on the Rules Committee, made it clear that the GOP is in charge and must take responsibility for its own decisions. “They have to figure it out,” he said.

For Republicans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. They are caught between the demands of conservative hardliners, who want a more fiscally disciplined approach, and the need to prevent a government shutdown that could have severe consequences for the party in the 2024 election cycle. If the GOP cannot find common ground, the political fallout could be swift and unforgiving.