In blow to Johnson's leadership, GOP hard-liners revolt over government funding deal

In a blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson, a group of hard-line Republicans tanked a procedural vote on Wednesday in a revolt of a tentative funding deal he negotiated with Democrats to prevent a government shutdown.

Thirteen Republicans joined Democrats to effectively bring the House floor to a stop, with votes canceled for the rest of the day.

Johnson ignored questions as he left the chamber but later seemed to shrug off the setback during an interview with Fox News host Martha MacCallum.

«It's going to survive,» Johnson said of the deal he worked out with the Senate and White House, which would set top-line spending for fiscal year 2024 at $1.59 trillion.

But Wednesday’s scene was deja vu for a House Republican majority that’s repeatedly struggled to coalesce on spending issues. Such internal strife was a key driver of the historic removal of Kevin McCarthy from the speakership.

The GOP lawmakers who voted against the rule were Reps. Andy Biggs, Eli Crane, Eric Burlison, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar, Matt Rosendale, Anna Paulina Luna, Ralph Norman, Chip Roy, Bob Good, Scott Perry, Tim Moore and Andy Ogles.

Earlier in the day, the House Republican conference huddled behind closed doors to discuss a path forward on funding the government. Several lawmakers voiced sharp criticism of the top-line spending deal as they exited the meeting.

“I am not voting for anything unless we shut the border dow," Rep. Norman said. «I am not funding a government that’s putting this country at risk. That’s harming us. Either shut the border down or take the consequences.»

“I don’t like it,” said Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett. “Leadership cuts a deal, and it doesn’t necessarily represent the members.”

Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson said