During a recent GOP conference meeting, Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson addressed the possibility of a government shutdown. Johnson, a close ally of GOP leaders, downplayed the likelihood of a prolonged shutdown but also emphasized that there was no firm consensus on a path forward.
Johnson highlighted the varying degrees of shutdowns, noting that a 10-day shutdown would be significantly different from a 10-minute shutdown. He suggested that Congress could be heading towards a 'technical shutdown' that might only last a 'few hours.' However, he stressed that leadership's goal was to avoid a prolonged lapse in government operations.
When asked about the likelihood of the House passing a bill by midnight, Johnson mentioned that Speaker Mike Johnson was exploring different options. He acknowledged that reaching a consensus would require approval from various stakeholders.
Johnson expressed confidence in Speaker Mike Johnson's ability to navigate the diverse opinions within the GOP conference. He commended the Speaker for attempting to unite individuals with differing views towards a common goal.
Upon returning to the conference room, Johnson anticipated gaining a better understanding of whether a consensus was forming among his colleagues. He acknowledged the challenge of aligning individuals who may not agree on many issues but remained optimistic about the potential for productive collaboration.
In conclusion, Johnson's remarks shed light on the ongoing discussions within the GOP regarding the potential government shutdown. While uncertainties remain, efforts are being made to find a viable solution that would avert a prolonged shutdown and ensure the continuity of government operations.
