The larger GOP problem is that many on the right care more about their political brands than accomplishing something. Their seats are safe, and if Republicans lose the House because colleagues lose swing seats, so what? The kamikazes get more air time on cable in opposition. They also don’t have to vote for messy compromises that make incremental progress.
Mr. Johnson has tried to accommodate all sides of his unruly GOP conference, but he can’t placate the implacable. It won’t be his fault if Republicans lose the House in November, but the kamikazes will blame him anyway. A party that can’t manage to fulfill a basic obligation of government—passing a budget—doesn’t deserve the majority. GOP voters will keep getting the policy defeats their feckless “fighting” champions guarantee.