Congress Scrambles to Advert Government Shutdown.

(Daily360.com) The United States House of Representatives delivered a $1.2 trillion budget to avoid a government shutdown just before time ran out. Conservative members of the House were urging Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) not to make any deal unless strong border provisions were part of it. In the weeks prior to the deadline, Johnson had said that was his number one priority. However, in the days leading up to the deal, Johnson seemed to change his position and said keeping the government open was his primary objective.

Johnson did not secure the majority of votes from his party and passed the bill on the strength of Democrat lawmaker votes. One hundred and twelve Republican representatives voted against the bill and 101 voted for it. Johnson claimed policy wins but detractors say he won nothing of note.

The particular area of criticism from many Republicans was Johnston’s “surrender” on border security. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) said the omnibus bill is filled with pork and earmarks and does nothing to address serious issues. Roy and others who voted against it say the bill adds significantly to the debt, funds all the social programs they’d like to end, does nothing to end illegal alien migration, and will serve to facilitate more migration.

Democrats praised the bill. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) noted the $1 billion for government Head Start programs and military child care funding. Democrats also lauded increases for medical research. The Republican members are pleased that they were able to include the flying of only the American flag or other “official flags” over US diplomatic buildings around the globe. Members of both parties that voted for the bill say they were happy to secure $886 billion for the Department of Defense, which is a 3% increase over their budget from last year.

Firebrand Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA) was so upset and angry with what she viewed as Johnson’s surrender that she has introduced a motion to vacate the Speaker. She accused Johnson of tying GOP lawmaker’s hands behind their backs, turning his position over to senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and passing a “Democrat bill.” She said this is not why Republicans were elected and believes Johnson is in dereliction of his duties. She said she has so far only filed the vacate motion and has not officially called it to the House floor, Greene compared it to a “pink slip.”