Shreveport Reporter

This morning, Speaker Johnson appeared on Fox and Friends to discuss the short-term continuing resolution that prevents a government shutdown and ensures President Trump and Congressional Republicans will have control in early 2025.

“Here’s the key: by doing this, we are clearing the decks, and we are setting up for Trump to come in roaring back with the America First agenda. That's what we're going to run with gusto beginning January 3 when we start the new Congress when Republicans again are in control,” Speaker Johnson stated. “Right now, Democrats still control and that's the problem. So, we have to get this thing done so we don't have the shutdown, so we get the short-term funding measure, and we get to March where we can put our fingerprints on the spending. That's when the big changes start. And we can't wait to get there.”

Johnson emphasized that while Republicans currently only control one half of one third of the federal government, they aim to scale back government size once fully in charge. He noted that pushing decisions into March allows a Republican-controlled Congress alongside Trump in office to decide on spending for 2025.

On disaster relief efforts included in the bill, Johnson explained it involves emergency funding due to historic hurricanes like Helene and Milton which caused significant damage requiring $100 billion for rebuilding six states. Additionally, aid is necessary for farmers facing financial jeopardy after three difficult years attributed partly to economic conditions under "Bidenomics."

Johnson highlighted challenges faced by small farmers and ranchers needing urgent help along with creditors demanding a stopgap measure. He pointed out Democratic colleagues' lack of prioritization towards agriculture as these issues affect rural red districts crucial for national food supply security.

In his communication with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy about DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), Johnson acknowledged their concerns over spending but stressed its necessity for paving way towards implementing an America First agenda starting January 3rd.

He reiterated fiscal conservatives' eagerness within Republican ranks readying themselves post-March transition period where major policy shifts could occur under full party leadership once Democrats no longer hold sway over legislative processes impacting budgetary decisions moving forward into next year.