Boebert slams Johnson’s failed spending measure as damaging
Boebert criticises Johnson's measure, highlighting chaos in government funding
Lauren Boebert vehemently criticised House Speaker Mike Johnson’s failed spending measure, asserting it would harm the country significantly. Boebert, representing Colorado, was one of 14 House Republicans who opposed the Johnson-supported six-month stopgap measure to prevent a government shutdown on Wednesday.
“This continuing resolution is going to damage our country more than anything else,” Boebert expressed on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast prior to the vote. Her remark referenced accusations against Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was arrested on charges including racketeering and sex trafficking. Combs allegedly orchestrated events where drugged victims were forced into sexual acts. He has denied the charges and his lawyers are maintaining his innocence.
Boebert labelled the current government funding dispute as “chaos” and “madness.” Congress is required to fund the government at the start of each fiscal year on October 1, or risk a shutdown. Some House Republicans often rebel against leadership’s funding plans due to frustrations over the process and deficits.
To address these issues and prevent a shutdown before the November 5 election, Johnson proposed a continuing resolution paired with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The SAVE Act mandates proof of citizenship for voting. Boebert supported the SAVE Act for securing elections, but opposed the broader funding package.
The House passed the SAVE Act in July with support from five Democrats, but it stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Former President Donald Trump strongly supports the SAVE Act and encouraged Republicans to advocate for it. However, Democrats have dismissed it as unworkable.
Previously, a spending dispute led to a GOP rebellion that resulted in the ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Congress only completed the necessary appropriations bills for fiscal year 2024 in March, months after the October deadline. Johnson hoped to delay beyond the congressional Christmas deadline, anticipating a stronger negotiating position if Republicans gain control of the Senate and White House.
Ultimately, the stopgap measure failed with a 202 to 220 vote on Wednesday. Boebert, who did not vote to remove McCarthy, has frequently criticised House GOP leadership. She won her primary in June, shifting from Colorado’s 3rd District to the 4th District.
In the 2022 general election, Boebert narrowly defeated Democrat Adam Frisch by under 500 votes after a recount. Frisch is running for reelection. Boebert, having narrowly survived her 2022 bid, has faced multiple controversies. In September last year, she was filmed engaging in inappropriate behaviour during a “Beetlejuice” show in Denver with then-boyfriend Quinn Gallagher. Both were seen being physically intimate and vaping, leading to their removal from the theatre. Boebert later apologised and ended her relationship with Gallagher, a Democrat.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC News reports House Republicans face internal strife over a six-month funding bill tied to Trump’s SAVE Act, potentially leading to a government shutdown despite opposition from Democrats and some GOP members. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Lauren Boebert criticize Mike Johnson’s spending measure?
She argued it would worsen the country’s situation and compared it to a controversial event involving Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.
What is the SAVE Act mentioned by Lauren Boebert?
The SAVE Act requires voters to show proof of citizenship to cast their ballots.
What was Lauren Boebert’s stance on the SAVE Act?
She supported the SAVE Act but opposed the broader package it was part of.
What happened to the stopgap measure backed by Mike Johnson?
It failed in a 202 to 220 vote.
What controversies has Lauren Boebert faced recently?
She was caught on camera in a groping session at a theater and later apologized.
