As Speaker Mike Johnson fights to solidify his hold on House leadership, a critical document circulating among conservatives highlights what his critics see as a disappointing legislative record during the 118th Congress. The “scorecard” catalogues perceived failures under Johnson’s tenure, painting a picture of missed opportunities, fiscal irresponsibility, and fractured Republican unity.
The document criticizes Johnson for overseeing increased federal spending, accusing his leadership of adding over $300 billion to the deficit since November 2023. It cites specific failures, including the approval of $61 billion in Ukraine aid without securing border policy concessions and multiple continuing resolutions passed with more Democratic than Republican support—violations of the GOP’s Hastert Rule. These actions, the critics argue, eroded Republican leverage and undermined conservative priorities.
One of the most contentious points is Johnson’s handling of omnibus spending bills, referred to as “cramnibuses,” which packed controversial provisions into bloated legislation. The scorecard highlights instances like a $1.9 billion earmark for projects critics called antithetical to Republican values, such as funding for clinics providing hormone therapy for minors and a police station championing Green New Deal policies.
Another sore spot is the accusation that Johnson’s leadership abandoned conservative wins in key legislation, such as the watered-down National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that discarded GOP-led anti-woke provisions. The document also criticizes Johnson for failing to secure meaningful border security measures, despite his promises, and for mishandling debt ceiling negotiations that culminated in a $5 trillion increase without accompanying spending cuts.
SCOOP: A group of conservatives and potential opposition votes against Speaker Mike Johnson are circulating a document laying out a “scorecard” that lists multiple failures of the 118th Congress.
While the author remains unnamed, it hits the talking points being shared by… pic.twitter.com/nfoaAVTJs5
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 3, 2025
Here is the rest of the letter pic.twitter.com/egY7XzkYgJ
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 3, 2025
Despite these criticisms, the document does acknowledge a few successes, such as passing targeted aid for Israel and impeaching DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, though even these victories are tempered by what the critics see as poor execution or inadequate follow-through.
The scorecard serves as a rallying cry for Johnson’s opponents and reflects broader dissatisfaction with Republican leadership’s inability to capitalize on its slim majority in the 118th Congress. It also sets the stage for heightened scrutiny as Johnson leads the House in the 119th Congress, where expectations are higher with a GOP-controlled Senate and White House.
Johnson’s allies, however, defend his leadership, pointing to the challenges of managing a divided House while advancing Trump’s agenda. With the stakes rising and internal party divisions threatening cohesion, the question remains: Can Johnson overcome these criticisms and unify his caucus to deliver the victories conservatives expect?
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