Johnson Faces GOP Resistance on FISA, Border Funding Ahead of Recess

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces mounting challenges next week as he attempts to push through three contentious votes before Congress recesses. The legislative agenda includes a long-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the farm bill, and a Senate-passed budget resolution to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Internal GOP divisions threaten to derail Johnson's efforts.

Border Funding Debate Intensifies

The Senate-passed budget resolution to fund parts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has emerged as a key sticking point. House Republicans express skepticism over the Senate’s commitment to a third reconciliation bill, demanding broader ambitions in reconciliation 2.0. 'We don’t trust the two-step process,' Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) told reporters, citing concerns about procedural separation. House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington echoed reservations, stating, 'We’re not there yet,' regarding ICE and Border Patrol funding.

Next week is going to be hell week.

Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) warned that the upcoming session will be fraught with tension. Meanwhile, DHS faces dwindling funds for employee payroll, adding urgency to the debate.

FISA Extension Sparks Conservative Pushback

Johnson also grapples with resistance to a three-year extension of FISA without warrant requirements, a red line for many conservatives. 'If you’re not going to have warrants, I’m not going to play ball,' Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) declared. Some members insist on attaching unrelated measures, such as central bank digital currency (CBDC) provisions, to secure their support. With the program set to lapse next Thursday, a short-term patch may be necessary.

Path Forward Uncertain

Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) claims progress from a Wednesday night meeting, but conservative reservations persist. As Johnson navigates these challenges, the fractured GOP conference risks delaying critical legislation, leaving American workers and national security priorities in limbo.