Mike Johnson faces backlash for far-right pandering in Congress

Speaker Mike Johnson is facing significant challenges as he attempts to avert a government shutdown. On Wednesday, he pushed forward with a continuing resolution that included spending cuts and a controversial provision aimed at preventing non-citizens from voting in federal elections. This legislation, however, is not expected to gain traction in the Democrat-controlled Senate, where lawmakers are working on their own stopgap bill to keep the government funded through mid-December. Johnson's proposal is set to fund the government for six months at reduced levels, which has drawn criticism from both conservatives and Democrats. President Joe Biden has already indicated he would veto the legislation if it reached his desk, further complicating Johnson's efforts. The looming shutdown, scheduled for October, has intensified the urgency for a bipartisan agreement. Democrats are advocating for a clean funding bill that maintains current funding levels for all agencies, with the exception of the Secret Service, which they argue requires additional resources following recent threats against former President Trump. This stark contrast in funding priorities highlights the deep divisions within Congress. The situation is reminiscent of the challenges faced by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted after failing to unite his party. Johnson's leadership is now under scrutiny, particularly from far-right members like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who have expressed doubts about his commitment to a hardline stance against Democrats. As the deadline approaches, the pressure mounts for Johnson to navigate these turbulent waters effectively.