How he handles the looming showdown over a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security could dictate the rest of his speakership, as House conservatives warn compromising now means he’s effectively allowing Democrats to block GOP agenda for the next two years. Doing something that angers his right flank could again raise questions about his ability to lead the Republican conference.
READ: What happens if DHS shuts down?
Congress remains at an impasse over funding the agency, which is set to shut down on Friday. That would put thousands of workers on furlough without pay and while Obama administration officials say short-term security impacts will be minimal, they warn of potential issues in the long-term.
At issue are policy constraints added to the funding bill that would limit President Barack Obama’s immigration actions: House conservatives insist on including the restrictions, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has not been able to get them passed and is promising a vote on a funding-only measure.
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The No. 2 Senate Republican, John Cornyn of Texas, told reporters he would support a short term funding bill — like a week or so — if that is all the House could pass but said it’s not the preferred way to do it.
“Then we’re back into this again and again and that, to me, is not desirable, Cornyn said.
Despite Boehner’s efforts to keep the pressure on the Senate, the focus is squarely on him and how he balances pressure from those on the right who oppose any compromise, and other members who want to avoid being tagged with the blame for another shutdown at a time the GOP is proving it can govern.
When asked if he was concerned about his leadership role, an unfazed Boehner brushed off the question, saying, “No. Heaven sakes, no. Not at all.”
