Speaker Johnson expects unity as funding vote looms

WASHINGTON, DC: House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday, February 3, that Republicans would remain unified to approve the procedural rule advancing the government funding package, expressing confidence that the GOP would hold together despite its razor-thin majority.

As the House moved to finalize the $1.2 trillion agreement following days of negotiations, Johnson said his conference was aligned on pushing the measure forward to end the partial government shutdown. He described the passing of the rule as a critical step towards restoring government operations and sending the bill to the Senate and President Donald Trump’s desk.

One vote margin requires total unity

Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of governing with what he described as the “smallest margin in U.S. history,” noting that Republicans effectively have a one-vote cushion, leaving no room for defections on party-line procedural votes.

“We're going to pass the rule today. It was never in doubt to me,” Johnson told reporters during a press conference. He said the urgency of averting a shutdown helped unify the conference, even after some conservatives previously threatened to slow the bill over voter eligibility provisions.

Jphnson added that GOP members understand the consequences of delay and are prepared to vote together to advance the legislation.

Johnson slams Democratic obstruction efforts

Johnson also criticized Democrats for declining to help fast-track the procedural vote, saying Republicans were being forced to rely entirely on their slim majority.

He said he spoke with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries over the weekend and was told Democrats would not assist. “I just think that's crazy,” Johnson said, arguing that the minority party was choosing not to cooperate on reopening the government.

By withholding support, Democrats have left Republicans responsible for delivering the full vote count, increasing the pressure on party unity as the measure moves to the floor.

Democratic 'family squabble' threatens deal

Johnson suggested that tensions between House and Senate Democrats are further complicating negotiations, saying internal disagreements emerged after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer held direct talks with the White House.

According to Johnson, Schumer “presumed to speak for House Democrats,” a move he said frustrated House leaders. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, has pressed for changes related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding and enforcement practices.

Those divisions, Johnson said, have left him largely dependent on Republican votes to advance the funding package.

Rules committee clears final hurdle

Despite the divisions, the House Rules Committee advanced the package late Monday, clearing the way for Tuesday’s procedural vote. Johnson said President Trump’s public call to pass the measure “without delay” helped calm conservative concerns, including efforts to attach the SAVE Act.

If the rule is approved, the House is expected to hold a final vote on the five long-term appropriations bills later Tuesday. Approval would send the legislation to Trump for immediate signature, ending the shutdown for most federal agencies.

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security, however, remains temporary and is set to expire again within days, setting up another round of negotiations over immigration enforcement and agency oversight.