Speaker Johnson floats using reconciliation to address alleged fraud in blue states
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Speaker Johnson may use budget reconciliation to target alleged fraud in Democratic-led states.
How This Affects You
This could lead to federal funding cuts or policy changes in your state if it is Democrat-led, potentially impacting local services.
AI Summary
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated on Tuesday that he is considering using the budget reconciliation process to pass legislation targeting alleged fraud, waste, and abuse in Democratic-led states. Speaking at a House Republican retreat in Doral, Johnson stated he has been a "champion for reconciliation," suggesting a potential strategy to bypass the Senate's 60-vote filibuster threshold. This move could allow Republicans to enact significant spending cuts or reforms with a simple majority vote in both chambers. The proposal signals a confrontational legislative approach toward states primarily governed by Democrats. The use of reconciliation would streamline the passage of such a package, potentially impacting federal funding allocations.
What's Being Done
House Speaker Mike Johnson is considering using budget reconciliation to address alleged fraud in Democratic-led states.
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Government TransparencyEx-Missouri house speaker sentenced 21 months for misusing Covid relief funds
<p>John Diehl admitted using federal pandemic loans for country club dues, cars and other personal expenses</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB"><strong>Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</strong></a></p></li></ul><p>A former <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/missouri">Missouri</a> state house speaker was sentenced Monday to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud for misusing federal Covid-19 relief funds for his personal benefit, including the payments of his country club dues and three cars.</p><p>John Diehl, the former Republican house speaker, received about $380,000 in federal loans for his law firm between 2020 and 2022 through a program intended to help cover...
PoliticsTrump's SAVE Act push creates new FISA problem for Mike Johnson
<p>President Trump's suggestion that Republicans attach the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/08/trump-wont-sign-bills-save-america-act" target="_blank">SAVE America Act</a> to the must-pass reauthorization of FISA is already complicating one of Congress' most contentious upcoming fights.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Reauthorizing <a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/20/senate-reauthorizes-fisa-section-702" target="_blank">Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act</a> is always messy — and it's shaping up to be a major headache for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).</p><hr><ul><li>The House is expected to move first, with GOP leaders eyeing a vote during the upcoming work period so the Senate has time to move before FISA — which allows warrantless wiretapping of non-U.S. citizens overseas — lapses on April 20.</li><li>The House has just 12 session days before that deadline.</li></ul><p><strong>Driving the news: </strong>Trump <a href="https://www.axi...
Government TransparencyFormer Missouri House speaker sentenced to prison for COVID relief fraud - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipgFBVV95cUxQbUlVWDNyVWhTN3AyaVZDZUZ6QXgxTWpZWV8wYWtXcklPTE9JdzkxY0E4V0twSFUzelk4aWxLczk1M3BWa3BBYTQ4OUZDbW9KUlZxLTVlVjRlWlZpeU9OZExKclJsOTJTWXo1bTdiRjZ2VFJPRE5WWEdXMWRvQW1UUmVVMDREVzFRMkstTXNUYzZLdGNUXzR1T2lfbFRwN0VkZ3MwOGNB?oc=5" target="_blank">Former Missouri House speaker sentenced to prison for COVID relief fraud</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsMike Johnson tells House Republicans housing bill could go to conference amid fight with Senate - Politico
PoliticsRep. Kevin Kiley leaves GOP, further shrinking Speaker Johnson’s majority - The Washington Post
PoliticsWATCH LIVE: Senate passes bipartisan housing bill
The Senate passed a broad bill on Thursday to make U.S. housing more accessible and affordable, a rare bipartisan effort in Congress to address a growing national problem.

Judge blocks Trump administration's subpoenas against Fed Chair Powell
A federal judge blocked two grand jury subpoenas against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday. Chief Judge James Boasberg wrote that "the Government has offered no evidence whatsoever that Powell committed any crime other than displeasing the President."
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
‘No popular support’: China warns against government change in Iran

Whitmer's office calls for probe into why weather service didn't issue tornado watch - The Detroit News

Defense official reveals how AI chatbots could be used for targeting decisions

Rubio designates Afghanistan as ‘state sponsor of wrongful detention’

Senate Democrat calls for investigation into Texas drone incidents


