Staff Reports
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is apparently feeling a bit left out in the bipartisan playground because Speaker Mike Johnson is taking his cues from former President Donald Trump, rather than from him. Johnson, in true Republican fashion, has scrapped a massive government funding deal that Jeffries and his Democrat buddies were drooling over, and now Jeffries isn’t keen on playing nice and helping him keep his job.
In a move reminiscent of a child throwing a tantrum when they don’t get their way, Jeffries has made it clear that he won’t be throwing Johnson any lifelines if he dares to pursue this bipartisan agreement. Apparently, what Jeffries wants is for House Republicans to suck it up and stick to the deal they crafted. But given the risky proposition of jeopardizing Johnson’s speakership if he ignores Trump’s directive, it seems Johnson is about as likely to do that as he is to wear a pink tutu.
In a classic display of political sabotage, Jeffries suggested that a “reckless Republican-driven shutdown” could easily be averted if Republicans simply did what he thinks is best for “the American people.” The irony is so thick that one could cut it with a knife, considering Democrats’ penchant for spending like a teenager with their first credit card. Jeffries, while pointing fingers, seems to forget that bipartisanship these days is less about working together and more about relinquishing control and funds to his party’s whims.
As Johnson contemplates his next move, the pressure is on. If he chooses the exciting route of capitulating to Jeffries and the Democrats, he is likely to face a full-blown insurrection from his own party members. With only 218 votes needed to keep his job when Congress reconvenes in January, one thing is clear: the Republican Party is going to have to hold hands and sing “Kumbaya” if they want to avoid a messy breakup.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wants Speaker Mike Johnson to stick to funding deal, but won’t bail him out in speaker votehttps://t.co/txSEb0LTWS pic.twitter.com/fH3Olmpy8G
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 20, 2024
On the other hand, Jeffries has all but slammed the door shut on the idea of collaborating, citing that the best path is indeed the same bipartisan agreement that he and his colleagues orchestrated. Apparently, he hasn’t heard that the term “negotiation” implies a willingness to compromise. When asked if he would help Johnson out if the house speaker came forth with an agreeable approach to government funding, his noncommittal response could make a weather vane seem decisive.
As for Trump’s input, he’s advocating for a more streamlined approach, focusing on a leaner bill devoid of unnecessary “giveaways” to the Democrats, which naturally has fueled Jeffries’ disdain and smirk. With the current debt ceiling expiration looming on January 1st, both parties will need to find a bridge over troubled waters—or at least a raft that won’t sink when the going gets tough. But for Jeffries, it seems more about sticking it to the Republicans while clinging to the notion of fighting for everyday Americans—a proposal that raises eyebrows and invites hearty laughter from the right.
