Beneath the surface of the Democrat-versus-Republican shutdown battle, a quieter but significant subplot is unfolding: a civil war within the Republican party. The hardline strategy being pursued by Speaker Mike Johnson is, in part, a reflection of the ongoing struggle between the party’s pragmatic and ideological wings, a struggle that is shaping the course of the shutdown.
Johnson’s “clean bill or bust” approach is a clear nod to the demands of the far-right faction of his conference, which has toppled a previous Speaker and remains a powerful force. By refusing to negotiate with Democrats on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Johnson is demonstrating his conservative bona fides and attempting to keep this group satisfied.
However, this strategy is causing unease among more moderate Republicans, particularly those from swing districts. Lawmakers like Jen Kiggans, who proposed the compromise bill, are worried about the political fallout of a long and damaging shutdown. They are caught between the demands of their party’s base and the needs of their more centrist constituents.
The rare defection of Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is usually aligned with the far-right, adds another layer of complexity. Her call for negotiations suggests that even some hardliners are growing nervous about the political risks of Johnson’s strategy.
This internal conflict is a key dynamic to watch. If more Republicans begin to break with the Speaker’s strategy, his position will weaken, and the pressure to find a compromise will grow. For now, Johnson is holding the line, but the GOP’s internal civil war is a volatile element in an already unstable situation.