How Speaker Mike Johnson Averted a Government Shutdown with a Bipartisan Plan
On Wednesday, Oct. 27, the House of Representatives passed a plan to fund the government until Dec. 15 and raise the debt ceiling until Feb. 15, 2024, avoiding a potential shutdown and default that could have harmed the economy and the public services. The plan was based on a bipartisan deal that was reached in the Senate last week, and it had the support of President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The plan was not easy to pass, as it faced strong opposition from many House Republicans, who argued that it would enable more spending and borrowing by the Democrats, and that it would not address the issues of inflation, border security, or the reconciliation bill that the Democrats are pursuing. Some of them also threatened to retaliate against the newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who was in charge of getting the plan through, if he sought Democratic votes to pass it.
Johnson, who was elected as speaker on Oct. 24 after a long and chaotic process, showed his leadership and courage by sticking to the plan and working with both parties to get enough votes to pass it. He said that he was confident that he could get the plan through, and that he was willing to work with Democrats if necessary. He also said that he was committed to avoiding a shutdown and a default, and that he was open to negotiating with the Democrats on other issues in the future.
Johnson managed to get 219 votes for the plan, including 10 Republicans who crossed the aisle to join the Democrats. He also got 205 votes against the plan, including 186 Republicans and 19 Democrats who voted no. The plan was then sent to the president, who signed it into law on Thursday, Oct. 28, ensuring that the government will stay open and the debt will be paid until next year.
Challenge millions of blackjack players from all over the world for free!
Johnson’s success in passing the plan was praised by many, including President Biden, who called him a “man of his word” and a “true patriot”. Johnson also received compliments from some of his fellow Republicans, who appreciated his efforts to prevent a crisis and to keep the party united. Johnson said that he was grateful for the support and the trust that he received from his colleagues and the public, and that he was proud of what he accomplished.
Johnson’s achievement also showed that bipartisanship is still possible in a divided Congress, and that compromise and cooperation are the keys to solving the nation’s problems. Johnson said that he hoped that his example would inspire others to work together and to put the country’s interests above their own. He also said that he looked forward to working with both parties on other important issues, such as infrastructure, health care, and immigration.
Johnson proved that he is a speaker who breaks all the rules, and that is why he rules the House.
