House Speaker Mike Johnson Proposes Two-Step Plan to Avoid Government Shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson has introduced a two-step continuing resolution aimed at preventing a federal government shutdown while providing more time for comprehensive budget negotiations. The proposal, titled the “Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act of 2024,” outlines staggered deadlines for funding different sections of the government, which some lawmakers believe could offer a more manageable approach to reaching bipartisan agreements.

Key Dates and Breakdown

Under Johnson’s plan, the government would be funded through two critical dates. The first deadline is January 19, 2024, which would cover areas such as:

• Agriculture

• Rural development

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

• Transportation

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The second deadline would fall on February 2, 2024, covering the remaining government agencies and programs. This approach essentially splits the budget into 12 smaller appropriations bills, allowing lawmakers to address them individually rather than as part of a single, large omnibus bill.

Goals Behind the Plan

According to Speaker Johnson, this method aims to bring more transparency and accountability to the budgeting process. He emphasized that avoiding the typical year-end rush to pass a massive, complex spending package would help Congress focus on responsible fiscal policy and better oversight of key issues such as border security and foreign aid.

“This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place House members in a stronger position to advocate for meaningful policy changes,” Johnson said in a public statement. “It gives us the opportunity to push for responsible spending and more targeted funding efforts.”

He also highlighted that separating regular appropriations from supplemental funding debates, such as foreign aid, would help streamline negotiations and reduce last-minute pressure.

What’s Not Included

Notably, this funding plan does not include additional aid for foreign conflicts, such as support for Ukraine or Israel. While the House had previously proposed a $14.5 billion aid package for Israel following recent conflict, it has not been included in this resolution. This omission is part of a strategy to treat foreign aid as separate from domestic funding discussions.

Reaction From Lawmakers

Reactions to the two-step plan have been mixed. Some lawmakers view the structure as a positive shift toward more deliberate and transparent budgeting. Others, however, have expressed concern that dividing funding deadlines could lead to increased confusion or political gridlock.

Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii voiced skepticism, calling the structure “unnecessarily complicated.” He argued that delaying straightforward decisions in favor of layered deadlines could result in inefficiencies and additional taxpayer costs. “There’s nothing inherently conservative about making simple things super convoluted,” Schatz said, expressing a preference for a clean and straightforward continuing resolution.

Speaker Johnson’s Financial Transparency

Speaker Johnson, a relative newcomer to national political leadership, has also gained attention for his personal financial situation, which contrasts sharply with that of many of his predecessors. According to his financial disclosures, Johnson does not own individual stocks and has a relatively modest financial profile. His listed debts include a mortgage, a personal loan, and a home equity line of credit—all common among many American households.

Some political commentators and ethics experts have noted the rarity of such a profile among high-ranking lawmakers. While some raised concerns over limited disclosures, others praised Johnson for not being involved in stock trading—an issue that has sparked debate in recent years regarding potential conflicts of interest in Congress.

Renewed Interest in Congressional Stock Trading

The contrast between Speaker Johnson’s financial profile and that of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has renewed conversations about ethical guidelines for elected officials. Pelosi’s financial disclosures indicate holdings in a variety of major technology and entertainment companies, with her net worth reportedly exceeding $100 million.

This has led to renewed support for legislation aimed at curbing stock trading by members of Congress. One such bill is the “Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act,” introduced by Senator Josh Hawley. The bill proposes banning members of Congress and their spouses from owning or trading individual stocks during their time in office.

Looking Ahead

As Congress continues to work through its budgeting process, the success of Johnson’s two-step plan remains uncertain. Lawmakers must act quickly to meet the upcoming deadlines and avoid a partial or full government shutdown.

While some may critique the complexity of the approach, others see it as a good-faith effort to break away from inefficient budgeting traditions and foster more responsible spending. Either way, Johnson’s leadership will be closely watched as his plan unfolds and as broader conversations continue about transparency, ethics, and effective governance in Washington.