Johnson Confronts Major Hurdles in House Vote to Reopen Government
House Republican leaders are expected to announce the reconvening of the chamber soon after a 50-day break. The Senate is set to pass a minibus comprising three bills and a continuing resolution (CR) with a January 30 expiration date. This development necessitates the House’s return by Wednesday or Thursday to vote on the proposed package.
Challenges Ahead for Speaker Mike Johnson
Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are poised for significant challenges. The absence mandated by Johnson has resulted in substantial frustration among lawmakers, particularly among House Democrats. This discontent is expected to manifest as lawmakers express their grievances.
Opposition to the Spending Package
- Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer oppose the spending package.
- After a prolonged shutdown, House Democrats find little of their agenda included.
- Key issues, such as the extension of Obamacare tax credits and restrictions on rescissions, remain unaddressed.
The Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, has committed to holding a vote on the expiring Obamacare subsidies before December concludes. However, Johnson has not guaranteed a similar vote in the House, preferring a more deliberative approach.
Vote Count and Democratic Moderates
The whip count indicates growing concerns for the House leadership. With Jeffries opposing, other prominent Democrats have also expressed their intent to vote no. These include:
- Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) – Minority Whip
- Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.)
- Angie Craig (D-Minn.)
- Haley Stevens (D-Mich.)
- Greg Casar (D-Texas)
Moderate Democrats are hesitant to support a deal from which they feel they received no concessions. Meanwhile, Johnson will emphasize that Democrats have lost ground, which is a true assertion amid this legislative battle.
House Composition and Upcoming Votes
Upon reconvening, Johnson will also swear in Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), increasing the House’s Republican majority to 219 against 214 Democrats. This slim margin means the GOP can only afford to lose two votes to pass legislation independently. Previously, two Republicans had opposed funding: Thomas Massie (Ky.) and Victoria Spartz (Ind.).
Johnson’s challenge is substantial as he now seeks support for two full fiscal year 2026 spending bills—Agriculture and Legislative Branch—previously overlooked. The House Appropriations Committee, including HFC Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.), played a key role in negotiating the minibus compromise, which Johnson hopes will garner conservative backing.
Logistics and Voting Issues
Transportation logistics present an additional complication. With the absence of proxy voting, many lawmakers may struggle to reach Washington due to ongoing travel disruptions. Flight disruptions were reported over the weekend, with over 50% of flights delayed or canceled, complicating travel plans.
Obamacare Subsidies Proposal
With impending votes on Obamacare, some House members are advocating for a middle ground on enhanced subsidies. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) is introducing legislation to extend ACA credits for four years for those making less than ten times the federal poverty level, setting a cap at $320,000 for a four-person household by 2025. In a bipartisan effort, Reps. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) and Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) have also proposed a two-year extension of the subsidies with associated reforms.
