House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) made it clear on Sunday that Democrats will not support Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) if he struggles to maintain backing from his own party in upcoming leadership votes.
Speaking on “Inside with Jen Psaki,” Jeffries highlighted the breach of a bipartisan funding agreement as a critical reason for withholding Democratic support.
Jeffries warned that Johnson faces a “real risk” of losing his position, particularly after failing to honor the bipartisan priorities that were part of the government funding discussions. “There will be no Democrats available to save him — or the extreme MAGA Republicans — from themselves,” Jeffries said.
He criticized Johnson for going against a bipartisan agreement, which, according to Jeffries, was designed to serve the American people’s best interests.
Last Friday, Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown, approving legislation just hours before the deadline. The bill, which marked Johnson’s fourth attempt at a funding proposal, gained support from nearly all Democrats and a majority of Republicans.
However, it came with significant criticism from Democrats due to the removal of several policy provisions initially included in the bipartisan agreement earlier in the week.
Johnson opted not to bring the original bipartisan package to the House floor, reportedly due to pressure from President-elect Trump, who opposed the deal. This decision frustrated many Democrats who had worked with Republican leadership on a plan that balanced both parties’ priorities.
Jeffries pointed to key provisions, such as funding for community health centers, which were excluded from the final package despite broad bipartisan support. “This funding benefits people across urban, rural, and small-town America, as well as Appalachia, yet Republicans walked away from it,” Jeffries noted.
The approved legislation funds the government at current levels until March 14. It also includes a one-year extension of the farm bill and billions of dollars in disaster relief for farmers.
While this averted an immediate crisis, it only serves as a temporary measure, leaving Congress with several unresolved funding priorities. “We’ll have the ability to wage those battles over the next few weeks and months,” Jeffries said, emphasizing the need to revisit issues like health center funding and other bipartisan concerns before the resolution expires.
The conflict over the funding agreement underscores broader tensions in Johnson’s speakership.
Johnson’s decision to prioritize the demands of more extreme factions of his party over bipartisan agreements has drawn criticism not just from Democrats but also from moderates within the Republican Party. This dynamic could create significant challenges when his leadership is up for a vote again in January.
Jeffries’ remarks signal that Democrats are prepared to let Republicans grapple with their internal divisions.
With no assurance of bipartisan support, Johnson’s ability to navigate the legislative challenges ahead may determine his future as Speaker.
