House Speaker Mike Johnson is steering into a political storm as he attempts to pass a new government funding package, a move that could either resolve or exacerbate the ongoing federal shutdown. His strategy hinges on securing unified Republican support to push through five full-year funding bills and a two-week stopgap for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by Tuesday. This comes in the wake of Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries's refusal to expedite the process with Democratic votes.

Most House Democrats, expressing their dissent in a recent caucus call, criticized the package negotiated by Senate Democrats and the White House. Prominent figures like Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) have actively campaigned against it. However, a faction within the Democratic ranks, including senior members like Reps. Steny Hoyer (Md.), Jim Clyburn (S.C.), and Brad Schneider (Ill.), showed support, revealing a rift within the party.

On the Republican side, internal conflicts threaten Johnson's plan. Hardline conservatives, including Reps. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), are pushing to include measures that would prevent noncitizens from voting in elections, complicating the package's prospects. Luna starkly warned on social media that the appropriations bills are doomed to fail without these provisions.

Amid these challenges, the bigger picture concerning DHS funding remains bleak. Johnson has criticized Democrats’ demands related to federal immigration enforcement, such as barring officers from wearing masks and requiring visible identification. His refusal to negotiate on judicial warrants for immigration operations further strains the possibility of reaching a bipartisan agreement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism about resolving these issues within the two-week timeframe, suggesting a series of extensions might be inevitable.

In a related development, Johnson is set to swear in newly elected Democrat Christian Menefee of Houston before Monday night's votes, following Menefee's victory in a special runoff. This event slightly adjusts the delicate balance of power in the House, giving Johnson a slim majority.

As Capitol Hill braces for a tense week, the outcome of these negotiations will not only affect immediate legislative proceedings but could also set the tone for broader partisan interactions as the next election cycle looms. With both the national budget and immigration policies at stake, all eyes are on Johnson’s ability to navigate this complex political landscape.