House Speaker Mike Johnson has summoned all members back to Washington, D.C., as the House of Representatives reconvenes, aiming to pass a crucial funding bill to potentially resolve the ongoing government shutdown.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York, who had earlier expressed optimism about ending the shutdown, seems to have changed his mind. He is now urging fellow Democrats to oppose the new funding bill and is still holding Republicans responsible for the situation.
“House Democrats will strongly oppose any Republican bill that does not definitively address the health care crisis,” Jeffries stated. “We want our government to reopen, and we will continue to support our hardworking federal employees and public servants. But we have a responsibility to ensure that the Affordable Care Act tax credits are extended and that tens of millions of Americans are not left without significant increases in health care costs that prevent them from seeing a doctor when they need it.”
Currently, Republicans hold a slight lead in the House with a 219-215 majority, meaning they can only afford a couple of defections, assuming full attendance, before facing potential failure for the funding bill.
The eagerly awaited floor vote is set for around 4 PM ET on Wednesday, with Republican leaders cautiously optimistic about the outcome.
