In a recent statement, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) revealed that he discussed the extensive 1,500-page government funding bill with billionaire Elon Musk following Musk’s public disapproval of the legislation. Johnson noted that the incoming head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is aware of the challenging circumstances facing the Speaker.
On Wednesday morning, Musk took to his social media platform X to express his strong opposition, stating, “This bill should not pass” and questioning, “Ever seen a bigger piece of pork?” Responding to inquiries regarding Musk’s criticism, Johnson explained that he and Musk, along with DOGE partner Vivek Ramaswamy, had a conversation the previous night to address their concerns.
Speaker Johnson says funding bill clears path for Trump’s America First agenda
“I communicated with Elon last night,” Johnson shared on Fox News’s “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday. “We were in a group text, and I provided them with the background of the situation. Vivek and I spoke until nearly midnight, and he said, ‘Look, I get it. We understand you’re in an impossible position. Everybody knows that.’”
Johnson emphasized the slim majority of Republicans in the House, pointing out that any bill requires support from Democrats to pass. “They understand the situation. He said, ‘It’s not directed at you, Mr. Speaker, but we don’t like the spending.’ To which I replied, ‘Guess what, fellas? I don’t either,’” he added.
The legislation introduced on Tuesday evening merges government funding through March 14 with several additional measures, including disaster relief for hurricane damage, reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager industry, an extension of the farm bill, and provisions that might allow the Washington Commanders to return to playing their home games in D.C. instead of Maryland.
Despite hardline conservatives advocating for a stopgap measure until after President-elect Trump takes office—enabling lower funding levels than those proposed by President Biden—many Republicans are expressing frustration with Johnson over the bill’s numerous add-ons. “It’s not a CR, which is a continuation of the budget. It’s turning into an omnibus,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) remarked on Tuesday.
Johnson defended the bill, asserting that it paves the way for more conservative spending levels under Trump. “We’ve got to get this done because here’s the key: By doing this, we are clearing the decks and setting up for Trump to come in roaring back with an America First agenda that we will pursue with enthusiasm starting January 3, when the new Congress begins and Republicans regain control,” he explained. “All of our fiscal conservative friends—I include myself in that group—will finally have the opportunity to implement the changes we’ve desired over the past couple of years.”
