House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has annoyed conservatives so much over the $1.66 trillion federal spending deal he reached with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., last weekend that they reportedly shut down activities on the House floor Thursday until he met with them about renegotiating the deal.
But with federal budget deadlines Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 fast approaching to avoid a partial government shutdown, Johnson also is feeling the heat from moderate Republicans and Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., about sticking to the deal.
"If any government shutdown occurs, it will be the sole result of Republicans once again deciding that if they are unable to jam their extreme right-wing policies down the throats of the American people, they're going to shut down the government, hurt the American people, and crash the economy," Jeffries said Thursday during a press briefing.
Johnson met with Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, and about a dozen other conservatives Thursday, Politico reported. The conservatives left the meeting optimistic they can convince Johnson to scrap the deal to fund the government for the 2024 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.
"It's not going to be the current deal," Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said after leaving the meeting, Politico reported.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., added, "There's going to be a new deal drawn up, and that's what we're in the process of doing."
But Johnson said after the meeting he made no commitments and that discussions are ongoing.
"We're having thoughtful conversations about funding options and priorities," Johnson said, according to Politico. "While those conversations are going on, I've made no commitments. So if you hear otherwise, it's just simply not true."
Johnson is facing a similar revolt that led to the ouster of his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told Newsmax on Tuesday there needs to be new leadership in the House "because we don't have any." Greene said the option of a motion to vacate the speakership, the maneuver used to oust McCarthy, is "on the table" if deals such as the one Johnson hatched are going to be made, according to Axios.
But then Johnson faces scrutiny from Republicans who are responsible for negotiating the government funding package, who have warned him against trying to change the agreement.
"I don't know how you cut a deal and then go back to change the deal," Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., a senior appropriator, said, according to Politico. "The speaker already cut it."
He added that he didn't think any other number could unify the GOP.
Plus, any changes would have to be approved by Jeffries, Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., all of whom signed off on the original deal.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said it would be "extremely hard" to negotiate a new agreement.
"I certainly hope that's not true because it increases the chances of a government shutdown," she said, according to Politico.