Speaker Johnson on Government Shutdown Responsibility
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) expressed skepticism regarding polls indicating that voters hold Republicans more accountable than Democrats for the current government shutdown. Speaking on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” he stated, “It’s very clear where the responsibility lies,” adding that Democrats have admitted to shutting down the government and struggle to justify their actions.
Johnson suggested that there’s “increasing public pressure” on Democrats. He acknowledged that many Americans are experiencing significant distress due to the shutdown. “If we get past November 1st, it’s going to be a very serious situation for many people,” he noted.
Despite various polls showing a majority of voters blaming Republicans, including a recent Washington/ABC poll that stated 45% of U.S. adults blame the president and Republican lawmakers, Johnson dismissed these findings. He reiterated his criticism of Democratic leaders and expressed concern about losing support from his base if he appeared to back Republican-backed legislation.
“At the end of the day, the American people are smart,” he said, emphasizing that they would eventually recognize who is truly to blame and that there would be consequences at the ballot box.
The ongoing government shutdown persists as Republicans strive to pass a “clean” Continuing Resolution (CR) to temporarily fund the government while working towards a more comprehensive year-round funding solution. However, progress has stalled due to disagreements over funding for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credit. Democrats are unwilling to support the CR without this funding, claiming its absence could have serious repercussions for health care access for millions.
The shutdown’s impact is already being felt, with several programs facing potential service interruptions. For instance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is expected to run out of funding this weekend, affecting about 42 million Americans. This situation has raised concerns among both Democrats and Republicans, many of whom are worried about their constituents.
In an effort to prompt Democrats to support a Continuing Resolution, Johnson canceled a previously planned five-week vote. This decision has drawn criticism from House Democrats and some Republicans. Notably, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) openly challenged Johnson’s decision during a recent Republican conference call.
“I’m very keen to get the House of Commons back to regular sitting, but we have to turn the lights back on,” Johnson stated in his Fox & Friends appearance. He urged Senate Democrats to act quickly to reopen the government. “The most basic responsibility of Congress is to ensure the government runs effectively for the people. That is our top priority right now, and we cannot deviate from that,” he concluded.
