In a recent report by POLITICO, the implications of Rep. Mike Johnson's ascension to the House speakership are examined, highlighting the challenges facing the Biden administration. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has been a vocal denier of President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election, raising questions about his willingness to work with the White House on key issues.

The White House is now faced with the task of navigating a relationship with a man who has steadfastly refused to acknowledge Biden's win. While President Biden has publicly downplayed the significance of Johnson's stance, his team is keenly aware of the uncertainty that the new speaker poses.

Personal relationships play a crucial role for Biden in conducting political business, and unfortunately, he and Johnson have no prior connection or common ground. The two politicians have never worked closely on any significant legislation, making their rapport an unknown factor.

The role Johnson played in trying to stop the certification of Biden's election has not been forgotten by the White House. However, the immediate concern is the unpredictability Johnson introduces to current affairs. Biden's team acknowledges the troubling record of the new speaker but hopes to find a way to work with him.

The plan moving forward involves relying on bipartisan coalitions in the House and Senate, as well as the tight deadline, to secure funding for Israel and Ukraine and pass crucial legislation. The hope is that Johnson has garnered enough goodwill from his colleagues to engage in negotiations. Alternatively, the exhaustion from the speaker selection process may limit resistance should Johnson attempt to strike a deal.

Johnson's election as speaker followed a chaotic search that generated both amusement and worry within the White House. Biden's aides believe that the spectacle bolstered Biden's standing with voters ahead of the 2024 campaign, underscoring his warnings about the GOP's ability to lead. However, the urgency to deliver on major priorities over the next three weeks has also caused anxiety.

The Biden administration is pushing for a $106 billion aid package primarily aimed at supporting Israel and Ukraine. But resistance from conservatives who oppose sending more money to Ukraine and are unhappy with the administration's border policies presents a hurdle. Additionally, there is a separate $56 billion funding request for domestic priorities such as natural disaster relief and child care. The government's operation also hangs in the balance, with Congress needing to strike a spending deal by November 17.

Johnson has been noncommittal about his approach to these issues since his election. He expressed plans to seek another stopgap budget agreement, potentially running until January or April, to prevent Senate-written bills from being passed. This proposal, coupled with Johnson's prior opposition to Ukraine aid, has raised concerns among officials who seek stability rather than week-to-week turmoil.

The White House is wasting no time trying to make inroads with the new speaker. President Biden reached out to Johnson shortly after his election, highlighting an openness to partnership and urging the House GOP to find a bipartisan path forward. Biden's top officials also hosted Johnson and other senior House members to present the administration's aid package and discuss priorities.

Biden's allies anticipate that he will engage with the congressional leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, to encourage Johnson to support plans for Ukraine funding and a clean spending deal. Personal meetings at the White House may be on the agenda to drive the point home. Some Democratic colleagues of Johnson have expressed optimism that he will prove to be a good-faith partner despite their political differences.

However, the path ahead is not expected to be smooth. Johnson still leads a fractious conference, which previously rebelled against his predecessor's efforts to keep the government open. Furthermore, the conservative wing backing Johnson has a strong desire to sever aid to Ukraine, irrespective of its consequences on the ground.

As negotiations progress, the Biden administration remains cautious. Johnson's alignment with his base may limit his room for compromise, leaving questions about the extent of his ability to make deals and maintain his position in leadership.

In the coming weeks, the Biden administration will need to navigate the uncertain dynamics of working with Speaker Johnson while juggling critical policy priorities. The outcome of these negotiations will impact the fate of billions of dollars in aid and the overall functioning of the federal government.

Overall, the White House faces the formidable task of finding common ground with a speaker who has a troubling record and a lack of previous working relationship with President Biden. The success or failure of their partnership will significantly shape the direction of key legislative initiatives in the coming weeks and potentially have lasting repercussions for both parties involved.