Johnson Responds to Debate Speculation with Jeffries

During an appearance on “American Report” Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson seemed to reject rumors about a potential debate with Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on C-SPAN.

Following the House’s passage of a short-term funding bill on September 19, the federal government faced a partial shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on October 1 after the Senate could not secure the 60 votes necessary to circumvent a Democratic filibuster. When co-host Sandra Smith inquired about the debate, Johnson’s remarks indicated some skepticism, despite a C-SPAN announcement about it.

Johnson said, “As soon as the government is functioning again, we will debate Hakeem Jeffries whenever and wherever possible.” He added that the drama portrayed by Democrats was unrealistic, claiming, “It was Democrats who voted to shut down the government. Look at the record. Republicans have voted for a shutdown nine times, and Democrats did it nine times as well, except for once. Hakeem Jeffries led the charge in the House.”

He continued, “We already discussed the government shutdown in the House, and we were successful. We passed the bill and sent it to the Senate. Now it’s up to them. Schumer’s inaction is creating real difficulties and needs to end.”

Johnson expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming C-SPAN program, which will be hosted by Politico reporter Dasha Burns. He noted that Jeffries had tentatively agreed to appear together. The Democrats are advocating for over $1 trillion in funding to support various initiatives, including ongoing benefits related to Obamacare from the pandemic and restoring resources to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is at risk of closing due to a defunding bill passed in July.

Burns shared a post on a social media platform, indicating that the show aims to provide a unique space for differing viewpoints to engage with each other.

C-SPAN had not provided a comment in response to a request regarding this matter.