Speaker Johnson Draws Ire from House Freedom Caucus over 'Out-Negotiated' Defense Bill Lacking Hardliner Priorities
-
Speaker Johnson signed off on a defense bill stripped of hardliners' top priorities, drawing criticism from House Freedom Caucus members.
-
HFC member Higgins said he's "still with Mike all the way" but he was "out negotiated" and "lost this one."
-
HFC member Burlison criticized Johnson's reluctance to let funding expire, saying "you've already lost" if those options are off the table.
-
Multiple HFC members said Johnson has wavered and been inconsistent on how to handle reauthorizing foreign surveillance law.
-
Some HFC members expressed frustration but most stopped short of directly threatening Johnson's speakership over the defense bill deal.