Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has issued a warning on Monday, stating that the current government shutdown is on track to become one of the longest in American history. He urged Democrats to put aside their partisan demands and accept the House-passed, GOP-crafted stopgap bill to reopen the government.
“We’re barreling towards one of the longest shutdowns in American history, unless Democrats drop their partisan demands and pass a clean, no-strings-attached bill to fund the government,” Speaker Johnson said in a statement.
The current government shutdown, which began on December 22nd, has now entered its third week and shows no signs of ending anytime soon. This has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay, causing financial strain and uncertainty for their families.
The House of Representatives, which is currently controlled by Republicans, has passed a bill to fund the government until February 8th, without any additional funding for a border wall. However, the bill has not been brought to a vote in the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority.
Speaker Johnson emphasized that the House bill is a clean, no-strings-attached solution to end the shutdown and provide relief to those affected. He urged Democrats to put aside their political agendas and prioritize the well-being of the American people.
“The American people deserve better than this political game-playing. It’s time for Democrats to come to the table and work with us to find a solution that will reopen the government and provide much-needed relief to our federal workers,” Speaker Johnson stated.
The government shutdown has already surpassed the previous record of 21 days, set during the Clinton administration in 1995-1996. If it continues, it will soon become the longest shutdown in American history, surpassing the 35-day shutdown in 2013.
The impact of the shutdown is being felt across the country, with national parks closed, government services disrupted, and federal workers struggling to make ends meet. Speaker Johnson stressed the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.
“We cannot afford to let this shutdown continue any longer. The longer it goes on, the more harm it will cause to our economy and the American people. It’s time for Democrats to put aside their political differences and do what’s best for the country,” he said.
The Speaker’s call for action has been echoed by other Republican leaders, who have also urged Democrats to come to the negotiating table and end the impasse.
In the midst of this political stalemate, it is important to remember that the well-being of the American people should be the top priority. The government shutdown is causing unnecessary hardship and uncertainty for many, and it is time for both parties to put aside their differences and work towards a solution.
As Speaker Johnson stated, “We have a responsibility to the American people to find a way to end this shutdown and reopen the government. Let’s put politics aside and do what’s right for our country.” It is time for Democrats to heed this call and work towards a resolution that will bring an end to this shutdown and provide relief to those affected.
