Johnson Faces Growing Pressure from GOP Hardliners to Take Sides on Divisive Issues
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House Speaker Mike Johnson faces pressure from conservatives to start taking sides on issues like border security, Ukraine aid, and government surveillance where the GOP is divided.
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Johnson has so far tried to please all factions of the Republican conference, but hardliners say appeasement won't work and he needs to make tough choices.
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Johnson has a full agenda when Congress returns, including looming government funding deadlines and deciding whether to back potential Senate deals on issues like the border and Ukraine.
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Some Republicans favorably compare Johnson's leadership style to Kevin McCarthy's so far, but he lacks McCarthy's experience and time to develop strategies.
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Hardliners like Rep. Bob Good warn if Johnson backs compromises they dislike, the Freedom Caucus "will absolutely be a problem" for him.