“It will not be the current deal,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), adding that he believed there would be some sort of emergency funding measure to avert a government shutdown.
But Johnson has not committed to aim for new spending levels.
“We are having thoughtful conversations about funding options and priorities. Today we had a cross-section of members. We will continue to have cross-sectional groups and members, and while those conversations are ongoing, I have made no commitments,” Johnson said.
A withdrawal from the deal would fail if the speaker proceeded in this way massive uncertainty on how Congress will avoid a government shutdown before the Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 funding deadlines and for the remainder of the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.
Members of the House Freedom Caucus and their ideological allies crowded into Johnson's office a day after a group of conservatives pushed through a procedural vote a revolt against the spending deal that Johnson and Democratic leaders announced Sunday — which prevented the chamber from advancing three unrelated measures.
“A new deal is being worked out and that’s what we’re doing right now,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said after leaving the meeting.
But Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), a former Freedom Caucus chairman, said Johnson hasn't committed to anything yet.
“We’re still working,” Perry said.
News of the discussions surprised some Senate Republicans, with Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) saying he was unaware the talks were taking place.
The Hill's Emily Brooks and Mychael Schnell have more here.
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