Rep. Patrick McHenry Criticizes Speaker Mike Johnson Over Budget and Border Crisis Handling

Key Points:

• Criticisms of Speaker Mike Johnson: Rep. Patrick McHenry, who served as acting speaker after Kevin McCarthy was voted out last year, criticized Speaker Mike Johnson’s handling of key issues such as the budget and the border crisis.
• Wider Group of Advisers Needed: McHenry urged Johnson to widen the group of advisers he consults, stating that the loudest members of the conference should not dictate the strategic course of a smart majority. He emphasized the importance of seeking a diverse range of perspectives.
• Decision on Government Funding Bills: McHenry specifically criticized Johnson’s decision to split government funding bills into two packages and advance stopgap spending legislation. He argued that this choice extended the pain and created suffering, impacting the Defense Department’s budget.
• Concerns about Extending the Pain: McHenry expressed concern that extending the pain and creating more suffering by not executing deals promptly could have negative consequences for Republicans at the ballot box. He urged Republicans to cut the best deals possible and move forward with the political year.
• Lack of Consultation: McHenry indicated that Johnson has not sought his counsel. However, he offered his advice, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking and compromise with Democrats on certain issues.
• Strategic Thinking on Border Legislation: McHenry urged Johnson to think strategically about legislating on the border crisis, acknowledging that Democrats are not likely to vote for a border wall. He advised Johnson to seek policy wins, compromise, and strategically plan for the majority.
• Potential Impact on Majority: McHenry warned that if the party continues to extend the pain and create suffering, it could pay a price at the ballot box, potentially jeopardizing the Republican majority.
• Call for Compromise: McHenry emphasized the need for compromise and strategic thinking, encouraging Johnson to consider what is best for the majority in the political year.

Rep. Mike Johnson is facing criticism from within the Republican Party, particularly from Rep. Patrick McHenry, over strategic decisions related to budget negotiations, government funding bills, and handling the border crisis. McHenry’s comments highlight internal tensions within the party regarding the approach to key policy issues.