House Speaker Johnson's path forward on spending unclear as clock ticks toward shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson's path forward on federal spending is unclear as the clocks ticks toward a federal government shutdown.

The first deadline of the two-step "laddered" continuing resolution Congress passed in November arrives in one week on Jan. 19. The second appropriations deadline under the CR is Feb. 2.

House conservatives have been sharply critical of the spending agreement Johnson reached with Schumer, arguing that it doesn’t do enough to reduce the nation’s deficit. 

“Our topline agreement remains. We are getting our next steps together, and we are working toward a robust appropriations process so stayed tuned for all of that to develop," Johnson said at the Capitol on Friday.

Johnson described the agreement, which covers the rest of fiscal year 2024, as "strong" on Friday and did not take questions from reporters after his remarks.

Since the spending deal was greeted with criticism, Johnson has been asked if he would pursue another temporary CR instead. 

To date, he hasn't ruled out that option. 

In the past, Johnson vowed not to pass more CRs.