Speaker Mike Johnson expressed frustration with a deal struck between President Donald Trump and Senate Democrats, but ultimately backed the president's decision. In a lawmaker-only call, Johnson warned that opening the Pandora's box of amending the initial plan could be a "dangerous prospect." The top House Republican acknowledged that he was frustrated by the result but praised Trump's ability to navigate complex deal-making.
Johnson admitted that he went to the White House on Wednesday to discuss his concerns about sticking to the initial plan and warned lawmakers against making changes. However, Trump ultimately reached an agreement with Senate Democrats, which will only extend current DHS funding levels for two weeks while new bipartisan negotiations on immigration enforcement play out.
Multiple Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about the deal, arguing that it could give Democrats more ability to constrain the administration. Johnson, however, agreed to support Trump's decision, saying "The president has made a play call, and we have to support him on it." He noted that ICE had already been funded under Trump's initial bill and that offices like TSA and FEMA would be impacted by the lack of funding.
Johnson also expressed optimism about Republicans still having leverage in the talks. Sources close to the matter said Johnson told House Republicans that Democrats could be held accountable for the short-term extension, which he described as "something we can hang on their necks." The House is expected to take up the legislation by Monday evening.
Johnson admitted that he went to the White House on Wednesday to discuss his concerns about sticking to the initial plan and warned lawmakers against making changes. However, Trump ultimately reached an agreement with Senate Democrats, which will only extend current DHS funding levels for two weeks while new bipartisan negotiations on immigration enforcement play out.
Multiple Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about the deal, arguing that it could give Democrats more ability to constrain the administration. Johnson, however, agreed to support Trump's decision, saying "The president has made a play call, and we have to support him on it." He noted that ICE had already been funded under Trump's initial bill and that offices like TSA and FEMA would be impacted by the lack of funding.
Johnson also expressed optimism about Republicans still having leverage in the talks. Sources close to the matter said Johnson told House Republicans that Democrats could be held accountable for the short-term extension, which he described as "something we can hang on their necks." The House is expected to take up the legislation by Monday evening.
. I mean, he's basically saying that Trump made some moves and now they gotta go with it. But at least he's looking on the bright side - thinking that Republicans might still have some sway in the talks 
. And let's be real, if Democrats are gonna get a short-term win, it could make them look like they're all bark no bite 
. On the other hand, I can see why Johnson was worried about messing with the initial plan - it's like opening a Pandora's box and who knows what kind of trouble comes out 
. Still, I guess it's good that someone is willing to back Trump's moves, even if they don't fully agree 
.
. I mean, what's up with these lawmakers and their "play calls"? Sounds like some high school football team drama to me 
. But seriously, this whole thing is giving me anxiety - like, are we just gonna keep playing whack-a-mole with the budget? 
Can't we all just get along (and fund DHS, TSA, and FEMA without drama)? 
Trump's gotta go back on his own plan and now it's gonna give those Democrats so much power...I mean I get that Johnson was worried about messing with the initial plan, but come on Mike! You're a speaker for crying out loud! Can't you be a little more feisty? 
The guy's basically giving the Democrats a free pass to dictate what happens next. And what's with all this "we have to support the president" talk? That's just weak sauce 
Trump's got some serious spine issues if he thinks he can just roll over and take whatever the Senate gives him. ICE, TSA, FEMA - those people are counting on this funding staying in place, and now it's all up in the air...this is a disaster waiting to happen 
but at the same time he's still got trump's back which is kinda admirable 
. it's like, i get why he's concerned about the deal tho - it does seem like it could give democrats too much power 
. and omg can you believe we're already having these negotiations again? 
. I mean, Mike Johnson is right, though - we gotta support the prez on his calls, even if it means sticking with the initial plan 
. Johnson's right that Republicans still have leverage, and if they play it smart, they might be able to wriggle out of this mess 
. Fingers crossed, folks! Keep your fingers crossed 
. but idc if i don't trust johnson's motives anymore 
. And yeah, I can see why ICE and other offices like TSA and FEMA are worried about the lack of funding 
. Still, it's good that Johnson is trying to keep things in check and make Republicans look like they're holding Democrats accountable for this short-term extension 
!
. I'm curious to see how this whole thing plays out, though. If they can get those bipartisan talks going smoothly, maybe we'll actually see some progress on these issues 
. Fingers crossed, right?
... It just seems like everyone's getting what they want, but in the end, we're all stuck with this messy situation