Congressman Mike Johnson | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Mike Johnson | Official U.S. House headshot
Speaker Johnson issued a statement criticizing 212 House Democrats for supporting a government shutdown. He accused them of engaging in partisan politics and shifting their stance on government shutdowns with the return of President Trump to office.
"Today, House Republicans stood for the American people and voted to maintain funding the paychecks for our troops, the agents who secure our borders, the TSA workers responsible for safe air travel, as well as the healthcare and benefits for veterans, and essential services and programs that keep the government operational. But House Democrats decided to double down on partisan politics," Johnson stated.
He further claimed that Democrats have long opposed shutdowns but have now changed their position. "For years, House Democrats have railed against government shutdowns, but they suddenly changed their tune when President Trump returned to office," he said. He described their actions as an effort to distract from what he termed their failures.
Johnson also commented on what he called a coordinated political strategy by Democrats. "In a shameful display of coordinated political theater, Democrats are willing to run out the clock on funding the government in a failed attempt to block the America First agenda," he remarked.
Finally, Speaker Johnson addressed Senate Democrats, urging them to vote in favor of keeping the government open: "Now it’s decision time for Senate Democrats: cast a vote to keep the government open or be responsible for shutting it down."