House Republican leaders are feeling the heat to bring members back to Washington as the government shutdown drags on.
Many Republicans are growing increasingly frustrated with their leadership over the prolonged recess, fearing that perceptions of inaction could benefit Democrats.
This discontent has created challenges for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and his team, who have strategically opted to cancel votes as part of their approach to the shutdown. They’re banking on an empty Congress to pressure Senate Democrats into agreeing to Republican spending bills, which would help reopen the government.
However, as the shutdown moves into its second week, both parties remain at an impasse. Federal workers are facing pay cuts this Friday, and military personnel might miss their first paychecks next Wednesday.
This situation is only heightening the demands from within the Republican party for Johnson to call the House back into session if he wants to help secure pay for military personnel.
“Military paychecks should not be held hostage because of dysfunction in Washington!” stated Rep. Jen Kiggans, a Virginia Republican representing Norfolk’s large naval base.
Kiggans, who is pushing a bill to ensure military pay during the shutdown, urged Johnson and other Republican leaders to act “immediately.” She mentioned that Congress would “probably” find a way to prevent payment delays.
“The president has made it clear that we need to pay our troops,” Kiggans noted.
She’s not alone in her concerns.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) also called for Johnson to bring the House back, citing the upcoming hike in health insurance premiums when enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expire. She stressed the need for urgent action to prevent severe consequences for patients.
“A serious Speaker of the House would build consensus based on a plan,” Greene remarked, underscoring that it’s not a secret to be dealt with behind closed doors.
During a session on Thursday, many Republicans voiced dissatisfaction with the leadership’s strategy of canceling votes since September 29th. This strategy raised concerns among party members that remaining in recess during this legislative standoff might not be beneficial for Republicans. Some notable critics included Rep. Jay Obanolte (R-Calif.) and Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.).
Other Republicans expressed support for Kiggans’ stance, insisting that leadership should prioritize the issue of military pay.
Johnson has sent mixed signals, saying on Tuesday he might back a standalone bill to fund military and air traffic controller pay even if other government functions remain shuttered.
“I can accept that,” he said, recalling past instances where similar measures were taken. “We want to ensure our troops get paid.”
However, Senate Republican leaders oppose this idea, aiming to apply maximum pressure on Senate Democrats to support the GOP’s broader spending package. Johnson quickly changed his position, rejecting the standalone Pentagon bill, indicating that if Democrats want military funding, they need to back a larger deal.
“We have repeatedly voted to fund our troops. We did it in the House three weeks ago,” Johnson told reporters, shifting responsibility to the Senate Democrats.
Democrats have sought bipartisan discussions regarding the expired Obamacare subsidies and criticized Johnson’s hands-off approach. Recently, some Republican members have joined the call for more action from Johnson.
Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) was vocal in disputing Johnson’s claim that the House had already fulfilled its duties.
“No, what the House did was just pass a seven-week continuing resolution,” Kiley commented, arguing that the ongoing CR is indicative of Congress’s failure to act in a timely manner. Johnson’s decision to keep Congress in recess for three weeks drew heavy criticism.
Two days later, he announced yet another vote cancellation.
Johnson has suggested that troop payments might be ensured without bringing Congress back, hinting that President Trump might be able to act unilaterally on this matter.
“The executive branch, the president, is working on potential ways to guarantee military pay,” he said at a recent press conference.
This maneuver could reduce some of the pressure on Congress regarding the shutdown, but it won’t resolve the core disagreements about government reopening. Nor will it ease the anxieties of Republican members eager to return to showcase their efforts to voters.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chair of the influential House Appropriations Committee, voiced these concerns back in September, right before the shutdown.
“I hope to be back,” he expressed. “Our leaders have to decide, but I intend to return.”
“Staying home during a government shutdown isn’t a good idea,” he added.
