"Mike Johnson's Leadership Put to the Test Amidst Government Shutdown Threat"
House Speaker Mike Johnson faces his first major test as he tries to unite the ideologically divided House Republican conference and navigate the looming threat of a government shutdown. Johnson's proposal for a two-tiered funding schedule, aimed at appeasing both the hard right and centrists, has angered some factions within the GOP and been mocked by the White House. However, it may attract enough support, including from Democrats, to pass. Johnson's ability to manage the demands from across the conference will determine the success of his speakership and could impact the party's majority in 2024.