Shreveport Reporter

Speaker Johnson addressed several issues at the House Republican Leadership press conference, focusing on the Democratic Party's rhetoric and actions. He criticized Democrats for their response to recent government activities, stating, "It's been pretty surprising. Here's a few quotes: 'shut down the city,' 'we are at war,' 'we're going to fight it in the streets,' 'this is what the beginning of a dictatorship looks like.'"

Johnson argued that President Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises and accused Democrats of lacking direction. "The Democratic Party truly is seemingly lost. They have no rudder; they have no vision," he said.

He also claimed that Democrats are laying groundwork for a government shutdown as part of their opposition to President Trump's initiatives. Johnson questioned their motives, suggesting it might be due to Trump's efforts to bring oversight to USAID or his trade negotiations. "By laying the foundation for a shutdown...the Democrats are changing their tune on government shutdowns," he stated.

Addressing media reactions to the DOGE effort, Johnson said there was an overreaction regarding executive branch evaluations of agency operations. He emphasized Congress's role in funding mechanisms but supported executive audits as necessary oversight. "I think there's a gross overreaction in the media to what is happening," he noted.

On legislative matters, Johnson highlighted upcoming votes on the HALT Fentanyl Act, aimed at combating fentanyl distribution by classifying related substances as schedule 1 narcotics. "We have more than 200 Americans lose their lives every single day, on average, to fentanyl," he stressed.

Johnson underscored Republican efforts against drug trafficking and securing borders, describing these actions as positive outcomes from elections.