The House of Representatives is set to begin deliberations on Monday regarding an unconventional proposal put forth by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson. The proposal aims to extend government funding into the new year and avoid a potential shutdown that could occur this weekend. However, it remains unclear if the measure will gather enough support to pass.

This latest attempt by Johnson to address the complex standoff over government funding has deepened the divide between hardline Republicans and their moderate colleagues, as well as the Democratic minority in the lower chamber of Congress. It is worth noting that this standoff also played a role in the removal of Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker in October.

With the US government's authorization to spend money expiring at the end of the day on Friday, Johnson, a right-wing lawmaker newly elected as House Speaker, unveiled a proposal over the weekend. The plan seeks to keep certain agencies functioning until January 19th and others until February 2nd while negotiating long-term spending bills.

The concept of short-term funding bills, commonly known as continuing resolutions (CR), has been enacted by Congress several times in recent decades. However, Johnson's proposal stands out as it suggests two different deadlines for the funding to run out.

Johnson emphasized the significance of the two-step continuing resolution, stating that it is a necessary measure to empower House Republicans in their pursuit of conservative victories. However, the White House promptly criticized the proposal for not including crucial funding for military assistance to Ukraine or Israel, which President Joe Biden is urging Congress to approve. Johnson, on the other hand, intends to address these issues separately in different legislation.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the proposal, describing it as a recipe for chaos and further shutdowns. She pointed out that House Republicans are wasting valuable time with an unserious proposal, and stressed the urgency of avoiding a shutdown, especially after Congress spent three weeks at a standstill following the removal of their own leader.

The reception of Johnson's proposal in the Senate is also uncertain, as Democrats currently hold the majority. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer tentatively plans to move forward with a bill to continue government funding until January 19th.

However, before reaching the Senate, Johnson's proposal must first pass through the House. The Rules Committee will hold a key procedural hearing on Monday afternoon, and if the bill advances, sources indicate that it will then be voted on by the full House on Tuesday.

Opposition to the proposal has already emerged from conservative lawmakers who argue that Johnson's clean CR lacks the deep spending cuts they deem necessary. Texas Republican Chip Roy expressed his full opposition to the proposal on Twitter, stating that it fails to address their concerns.

Scott Perry, the Chair of the right-wing Freedom Caucus, also opposes the bill, criticizing it for failing to address fiscal irresponsibility and for providing no significant changes while bolstering an inert Senate and financially illiterate president.

With only a limited number of Republican votes to spare, Johnson's position is precarious. McCarthy was ousted shortly after Democrats assisted in passing a measure he proposed to prevent a government shutdown until November 17th.

Furthermore, influential Democrats have voiced their opposition to the Speaker's bill. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the appropriations committee, objected to the lack of funding for Israel and Ukraine, advocating for long-term funding for the Departments of Defense and State instead of a two-month stopgap.

Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries made remarks last week decrying a continuing resolution that extends funding for various periods as "another extreme right-wing policy joyride."

In response to the opposition, Florida Republican Carlos Giménez suggested that Johnson's bill would likely receive support from both parties, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a government shutdown.

The outcome of the House vote on Tuesday will shed light on the support Johnson's proposal garners from his fellow lawmakers, setting the stage for further negotiations to avert a government shutdown and address critical funding needs.