Graham Threatens Shutdown Over House Repeal Bill

Senator warns Johnson he 'won't forget this' as budget negotiations stall

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., expressed his frustration with the latest version of a House-backed bill that would repeal key provisions of a previous budget deal. Graham threatened to withhold support for a government funding agreement if the House bill moves forward, warning President Johnson that he 'won't forget this' move.

Why it matters

The threat of a government shutdown looms as budget negotiations between the White House and Congress have stalled over the House's push to roll back parts of an earlier bipartisan spending deal. Graham's warning signals growing Republican opposition that could jeopardize a final funding agreement.

The details

Graham criticized the House bill, which would undo certain spending caps and other fiscal measures agreed to in a previous budget compromise. The senator said he would not support any government funding deal if the House legislation proceeds, putting him at odds with the president's agenda.

  • The House is expected to vote on the repeal bill in the coming days.

The players

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator from South Carolina who has threatened to block a government funding deal if the House-backed repeal bill moves forward.

President Johnson

The current president who is negotiating with Congress on a government funding agreement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I won't forget this”

— Lindsey Graham, Senator

What’s next

The House is expected to vote on the repeal bill in the coming days, setting up a potential showdown with the Senate and White House over government funding.

The takeaway

This budget standoff highlights the partisan divides in Congress that could lead to a government shutdown if a compromise cannot be reached, with Graham's threat adding to the uncertainty around final spending negotiations.