Government Shutdown Update

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has indicated that Republicans feel they are winning the narrative surrounding the current government shutdown. During a private call with lawmakers, he encouraged colleagues to keep the pressure on Congressional Democrats.

This call took place on the fourth day of the shutdown, right after Senate Democrats again rejected a GOP proposal aimed at continuing federal funding until November 21st. Johnson and other House GOP leaders urged Republicans to communicate the implications of the shutdown to their districts next week, according to reports.

Johnson expressed optimism that the shutdown could soon end if Republicans maintain their resolve, highlighting unity among House GOP members in the face of the situation.

GOP Strategies Amid Shutdown

Johnson also urged Republican lawmakers to return only if Senate Democrats agree to reopen the government. While current funding proposals haven’t angered House and Senate GOP leaders, they prefer a short-term funding bill known as a continuing resolution (CR) that keeps spending levels stable for a brief period.

The House passed this measure on September 19, mainly along party lines, after which they wrapped up their session to pressure Senate Democrats to accept the plan. Consequently, Johnson designated next week as a work period in the districts, canceling a planned legislative session from Tuesday through Friday.

In his remarks to House Republicans, Johnson emphasized that this strategy would help avoid “democratic disruption.” Reports suggest no GOP members have opposed the plan, indicating a level of unity on the matter.

At a press conference, Johnson noted that the House might not reconvene until Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) agrees to the Republican proposal. He remarked, “We passed it, and the Senate rejected it, so we’ll return to the session once Schumer can resume government. It’s clear-cut.”

Some Democrats unhappy with the funding negotiations have sought to extend enhanced Obamacare subsidies, originally boosted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which will expire by the end of 2025 without legislative action. Additionally, they introduced a counterproposal for a CR that would fund the government until October 31 while reversing GOP cuts to Medicaid.

Democratic Proposals Under Scrutiny

Part of their strategy includes restoring federal funding for NPR and PBS, which saw cuts earlier this year under the Trump administration. Republicans have criticized the Democratic plan as unworkable, filled with partisan demands. Yet, Democrats remind that they supported similar clean funding measures under former President Biden before.

During the Saturday call, House GOP leaders encouraged members to highlight that the Democratic counterproposal would still support Medicaid funding for certain groups, which they deemed problematic.

Amid this turmoil, the GOP leader stressed the importance of ensuring military members continue to receive pay during the shutdown. He indicated that the stakes are high, with federal flood insurance funds also at risk of depletion. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise pointed to October 15th as a crucial date, aligning with the next payday for service members.

Senate Democrats have rejected the GOP funding plan multiple times since September 19, with another vote scheduled for Monday.