Updated Dec 20, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Johnson reengages with Dems after failed Plan B

Andrew Solender

Mike Johnson and Hakeem Jeffries — House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries at the U.S.Capitol on March 12, 2024. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told his members Friday that he and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have reopened negotiations on a government funding deal, sources familiar with his comments told Axios.

Why it matters: The restarted talks come just hours before the government is set to shut down at midnight Friday.

After backing out of a deal he negotiated with Democrats, Johnson tried and failed to pass a revised bill Thursday.
House Democrats almost all voted against the new measure, however, complaining bitterly that Johnson didn't consult Jeffries on it.

What we're hearing: Jeffries told House Democrats in a closed-door caucus meeting Friday morning that lines of communication between the two leaders have reopened, according to numerous sources in the room.

The Democratic leader said he is doing "everything possible" to get the impasse resolved Friday "consistent with our values and bipartisan agreement we have negotiated," two lawmakers told Axios.
He also praised his party for their unity on Thursday's vote, saying it forced Johnson back to the negotiating table, sources said.

Go deeper: Where the government shutdown fiasco stands and what it could mean for you

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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Johnson reengages with Dems after failed Plan B

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