In what many Republicans are calling a betrayal of the American  people, House Speaker Mike Johnson used the Christmas recess to push through a sprawling 1,547-page continuing resolution that critics say is packed with pork, handouts, and pay raises for Congress. The bill, intended to prevent a government shutdown, maintains current spending levels through March 14, 2025. However, conservatives argue that it goes far beyond its stated purpose, catering to special interests and advancing a status quo that has plagued Washington for decades.  

Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) was one of the first to sound the alarm, slamming the bill and the process by which it was introduced. On X, Massie stated, “People call me “NostraThomas” for accurately predicting @SpeakerJohnson would use the Christmas recess to force a massive spending bill through Congress.

After claiming he would not, Johnson is embracing a D.C. tradition that’s nearly as old as decorating Christmas trees.”

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One of the most egregious provisions, according to critics, is a 40% pay raise for members of Congress, quietly inserted into the bill. Coupled with $100 billion in disaster relief and farm aid, drug pricing regulations, and even a provision enabling the Washington Commanders to return to RFK Stadium, conservatives argue the bill is a clear example of out-of-control spending and misplaced priorities.  

Entrepreneur and GOP voice Vivek Ramaswamy, founder of the DOGE initiative for government reform, went further. Not only did he call out the bill’s excesses, but he also took the dramatic step of reading the entire document. He posted a scathing review on X, alongside an image of a simplified, one-page resolution he proposed instead.  

https://twitter.com/vivekgramaswamy/status/1869407887983821089?s=46&t=FACDB7jDW-VmSI21CkJcLw

The post included a photo of a concise, no-frills resolution, designed solely to extend current funding levels without the extra provisions. The post quickly went viral, gaining traction with Americans frustrated by Washington’s opaque and self-serving practices.  

DOGE, backed by Ramaswamy and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has been a vocal advocate for dismantling the corrupt traditions of Capitol Hill.

The timing of the bill’s introduction has also drawn heavy criticism. Pushed through during the holiday recess, when many lawmakers were traveling or unavailable to thoroughly review the bill, the move was seen as an underhanded strategy by Speaker Johnson. Despite his earlier promises to avoid such tactics, Johnson defended the measure, claiming it was necessary to avert a shutdown.  

Yet, critics argue that this practice—of forcing Congress to vote on bloated, last-minute bills during holiday breaks—is part of a long-standing tradition that has done irreparable harm to the country. Congress shouldn’t operate like a bad late-night infomercial, sneaking in extra charges when no one’s looking. America deserves better.”*  

Conservative frustration with Johnson’s leadership has been growing, with some members of the GOP openly questioning his commitment to reform. Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) remarked, *”We were promised transparency and accountability. What we got instead is more of the same: backroom deals and big-government bloat. 

Here is the video of Johnson clearly stating that he would not do this. 

DOGE’s supporters argue that the organization’s pressure campaign is already making an impact. Public outrage over the bill has mobilized grassroots conservatives, with calls flooding congressional offices to demand more responsible governance.  

As the bill heads to the Senate, the backlash has intensified. Ramaswamy, Massie, and Musk are leading the charge to hold Congress accountable, calling for a clean resolution and a complete overhaul of how Washington operates.  

The GOP base is watching closely, and for many, this isn’t just about a spending bill—it’s about the future of governance in America. Will Washington finally be held accountable?

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