‘There’s always consequences’: GOP rebels plot mutiny against Johnson over government shutdown drama

House GOP hardliners are in a state of fury over the handling of ongoing government funding talks by congressional leaders, particularly House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. Some hardliners are even suggesting that they could withhold support from Johnson to head their conference again due to his handling of the matter.

Negotiators are currently working on a short-term extension of current government funding levels, known as a continuing resolution (CR). The bill must pass the House and Senate by the end of Friday, Dec. 20 to avoid a partial government shutdown just before the holidays.

There is discontent within the House GOP ranks, with one lawmaker revealing anonymously to Fox News Digital on Tuesday that Johnson has some ‘no’ votes and members considering their options. This lawmaker accused Johnson of using President-elect Donald Trump’s support for him as a shield.

Johnson had won unanimous support to be the speaker again in House Republicans’ closed-door elections earlier this year, following Trump’s endorsement. However, he will need almost the same level of support in early January when the entire House votes to elect a new speaker.

Former House Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry, R-Pa., hinted that some Republicans could initially vote against Johnson on Jan. 3, depending on his handling of the CR. Another Republican, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., suggested that Johnson’s actions could have consequences for the January vote.

Several Republicans expressed feeling blindsided by what they perceived as last-minute additions to the CR, which they expected to be free of unrelated policy riders. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., was particularly incensed about health care provisions included in recent discussions that would diminish the authority of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, also criticized the handling of the CR, calling it “disastrous” and expressing frustration over the lack of transparency in the process. Roy raised concerns about a rumored provision expanding ethanol sales and urged for a reduction in the deficit instead of passing what he deemed as “stupid policies.”

The legislative text for the CR was initially expected to be released on Sunday, but negotiations were still ongoing as of late Tuesday morning, putting lawmakers dangerously close to their Friday shutdown deadline. Johnson, however, dismissed concerns about his job during a press conference on Tuesday.

Despite the turmoil, even lawmakers who are not threatening Johnson’s position expressed frustrations about the situation. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis., highlighted concerns about farm policy provisions in the CR potentially hindering negotiations for a new Farm Bill.

In the midst of the chaos, Johnson remains confident, stating that he is not worried about the speaker vote and that the House is governing under difficult circumstances. Lawmakers are pushing for more transparency, deliberation, and comprehensive discussions in passing critical legislation like the Farm Bill.

As the deadline looms, tensions continue to rise within the House GOP, with hardliners expressing discontent over the handling of the government funding talks. The fate of the CR and Johnson’s speakership bid in January remain uncertain, as lawmakers navigate through a turbulent political landscape.