Former Representative Charlie Dent and Norm Ornstein from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) recently discussed Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposed stopgap funding plan on Ali Velshi’s show. This plan aims to extend spending for some agencies until mid-January and for others until early February. However, it notably excludes aid to Ukraine and Israel. With just five days remaining for Congress to find a solution and prevent a government shutdown, both Republicans and Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the bill, making its passage highly improbable.
According to Ornstein, the current political climate is being heavily influenced by the “lunatic fringe.” He believes that the shutdown is increasingly likely due to certain members of Congress who are determined to cause chaos and bring down the government. Ornstein points out that Speaker Johnson himself belongs to this extreme faction of the party, which further complicates the situation.
The stopgap funding plan has generated significant controversy and opposition from both sides of the aisle. It remains to be seen whether Congress can reach a compromise and avoid a government shutdown within the limited time frame.
