Two House Republicans have publicly declared their opposition to Speaker Mike Johnson’s strategy to pass a clean stopgap spending bill, signaling potential trouble as the party attempts to navigate a looming government shutdown deadline. The resolution, aimed at extending funding until November, has not sat well with some conservatives who demand cuts and policy changes.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), known for his frequent clashes with party leadership over spending issues, confirmed his dissent in a brief interaction with the press on Monday. “I am a 'no' unless it cuts spending, which I do not anticipate,” Massie stated, leaving a small window open for supporting the procedural rule if it remains straightforward.

Adding to the challenge is Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), who voiced her refusal to support the continuing resolution (CR) via a post on X, citing concerns over the timing of the funding's expiration right before a major holiday, which she argues could lead to a rushed and unfavorable comprehensive spending bill, or Omnibus. Spartz has been known to pivot after political maneuvering, yet her initial stance underscores the internal divisions facing Speaker Johnson.

The precarious balance in the House means that if one more Republican joins Massie and Spartz in opposition, the bill could fail if it comes down to a party-line vote. This scenario places significant pressure on GOP leadership to either rally support or reconsider their strategy.

Amidst these developments, the proposed CR includes provisions for enhanced security for members following the recent murder of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, a topic that has added complexity to the negotiations. Sources close to the matter suggest that security funding might be relocated to a separate legislative package, further complicating the path forward.

The intra-party conflict extends beyond Massie and Spartz, with other Republicans expressing frustration over the continuation of spending levels set during former President Joe Biden’s administration. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) was particularly vocal, criticizing the funding for not aligning with the priorities voted for by her constituents, though she stopped short of outright opposition to the CR.

As GOP leaders rush to finalize the text of the bill and shore up support, the coming days will be critical in determining whether Speaker Johnson can unify his party to avoid a government shutdown. Meanwhile, Democrats watch closely, potentially positioned to capitalize on Republican disunity. The outcome will not only affect immediate fiscal policy but could also set the tone for legislative battles leading up to the next election cycle.