House Republican leaders called for unity in their ongoing standoff with Democrats during a Saturday morning briefing. The aim was to back Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in scrapping planned votes, pushing Senate Democrats to accept a “clean” seven-week funding bill.
There’s a bit of flexibility in the agenda, though, especially as senators consider agreements that would require them to come back to Washington for votes on compromises. According to sources, leaders plan to give at least 48 hours’ notice before summoning members.
At this point, Republicans feel they have the upper hand in the funding debate and see no need to pull Congress members back to Washington, which would distract them from ongoing Senate disputes.
“The House will reconvene, and I’ll be in discussions with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY),” Johnson mentioned at a press conference on Friday.
The government shutdown is expected to extend into next week, as Senate Democrats are gearing up for a fourth vote on a “clean” resolution projected to last until November 21st.
Democrats countered with their own proposals while Republicans are urging negotiations on healthcare policies like the renewal of enhanced subsidies from the Affordable Care Act that lapsed at the end of the previous year.
Republicans maintain they won’t engage in talks over healthcare subsidies until the government reopens.
Senator John Tune (D) stated on Friday, “I’m open to discussing this with my Democratic colleagues, but that won’t happen while the government is still shut down.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) indicated he might bring Democrats back to Washington next week, despite no formal plans. He criticized Republicans for cancelling their scheduled votes, suggesting that it sidesteps GOP leadership and delays the swearing-in of Arizona Democrats — essential for voting on a bill to release documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“By cancelling next week’s vote, Speaker Johnson allows House Republicans to extend their break, which robs Americans of accessible healthcare, blocks the swearing-in of newly elected representatives, and halts the release of Epstein’s files,” Jeffries remarked.
“Meanwhile, the government remains closed, and medical expenses are rising for millions of Americans,” he added. “It’s time for Republicans to get back to work, reopen the government, cancel cuts, reduce costs, and safeguard healthcare.”
