House votes to prevent a government shutdown as GOP Speaker Johnson relies on Democrats for help

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson meets with reporters ahead of a crucial vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at its current levels, a measure not supported by the hard right wing of his party. (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON — The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to prevent a government shutdown after new Republican Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to reach across the aisle to Democrats when hard-right conservatives revolted against his plan.

Johnson’s proposal to temporarily fund the government into the new year passed on a bipartisan 336-95 tally, but 93 Republicans voted against it. It was the first time the new speaker had to force vital legislation through the House, and he showed a willingness to leave his right-flank Republicans behind — the same political move that cost the last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, his job just weeks ago.