"House Freedom Caucus Strikes Blow Against Speaker Johnson Over Spending Bill"

The House Freedom Caucus, a group of ultraconservative lawmakers, suffered a decisive defeat when the House passed a $1.2 trillion spending package, revealing the limits of their political brinksmanship. Their attempts to pressure leadership to cave to their demands failed, and their influence is waning as House Speaker Mike Johnson becomes more decisive and willing to ignore their noise. Despite some occasional successes, the caucus's refusal to compromise has led to more bipartisanship, and their power is shrinking, much to the satisfaction of Democrats.