House Speaker Mike Johnson has introduced a two-step plan, called
the “Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act of 2024,” to avoid a
government shutdown and keep agencies funded. Under this plan,
funding would expire in two stages—some on January 19 and the rest on February 2.
This approach would require Congress to pass 12 separate appropriations bills instead of one large omnibus package,
which Johnson says is designed to promote fiscal discipline and avoid last-minute spending sprees.
Programs expiring on January 19 include those under regular appropriations like agriculture, rural development, the FDA,
transportation, housing, and urban development. Other programs, such as those under the Agriculture Improvement
Act of 2018, are funded through later deadlines, like September 30, 2024.
Johnson believes this method puts Republicans in a stronger position to negotiate for conservative priorities,
such as stricter border security, oversight of aid to Ukraine, and more responsible government spending. However,
Senate Democrats have voiced opposition, with some calling the plan needlessly complex and a waste of taxpayer money. Senator Brian Schatz
criticized the approach, arguing for a clean and simple short-term
resolution instead of what he labeled as “super convoluted” proposals.
Notably, Johnson’s personal finances have also drawn attention.
Unlike his predecessors, Johnson has modest assets, no stock investments,
and limited personal debt, which has sparked both criticism and praise.
Some ethics experts found his financial disclosures
unusual and questioned the lack of reportable bank accounts, suggesting potential vulnerability to influence.
In contrast, Republicans have defended Johnson, arguing he represents
everyday Americans more accurately than past wealthy leaders like Nancy Pelosi,
who has millions invested in major tech and finance companies.
Pelosi’s reported net worth exceeds \$100 million, and her investment activities have spurred
Republican Senator Josh Hawley to introduce the PELOSI Act, a bill
that would ban lawmakers and their spouses from owning or trading individual stocks.
