House Speaker Mike Johnson's 'Hell Week': Three Critical Votes Threaten GOP Unity Ahead of Recess

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is bracing for a grueling pre-recess session next week as he attempts to advance three contentious votes through a deeply divided Republican conference. The stakes are high, with each measure threatening to expose fractures within the party and challenge Johnson’s leadership.

Three High-Stakes Votes on the Docket

The House is scheduled to vote on three pivotal measures:

• Long-term extension of Section 702 FISA: A three-year renewal without warrant requirements, a demand from conservative lawmakers.
• Farm bill: A sweeping agricultural policy package facing resistance over funding and priorities.
• Senate-passed budget reconciliation resolution: Funding for ICE and Border Patrol, a sticking point for House Republicans who distrust the Senate’s two-step process.

Republicans Defy Trump, Complicating Johnson’s Path Forward

Johnson has earned a reputation for navigating improbable outcomes, but his rank-and-file are increasingly willing to defy President Donald Trump, whom the speaker has relied on to secure tough votes. This shift threatens to undermine Johnson’s ability to unite his conference behind critical legislation.

"Next week is going to be hell week."

DHS Funding Crisis Adds Urgency to Reconciliation Debate

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is running dangerously low on funds to pay its employees, pressuring GOP leaders to act swiftly. However, House Republicans remain skeptical of the Senate’s two-step reconciliation process, demanding a more ambitious second phase.

"We don’t trust the two-step process. I’ll be honest with you—the two-step process has the separation in it. That’s a sticking point."

Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Chair of the House Budget Committee, acknowledged the challenge:

"We’re not there yet."

FISA Extension Sparks Conservative Backlash Over Warrant Requirements

Conservative lawmakers are digging in over the FISA extension, insisting on warrant requirements for surveillance programs. Without them, some have vowed to oppose the measure.

"If you’re not going to have warrants, I’m not going to play ball."

Others are pushing unrelated amendments, such as including Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) provisions, further complicating the vote.

Uncertain Path Forward as Deadlines Loom

The FISA program is set to expire next Thursday night, raising the possibility of a short-term patch if a long-term deal remains elusive. Meanwhile, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) claimed a Wednesday night meeting "resolved a lot of the issues" members had, though several conservatives expressed reservations by Thursday morning.