With Shutdown Now Second Longest in History Johnson Signals Possible Shift in GOP Strategy
Day 22 of the ongoing government shutdown highlighted a critical moment for House Speaker Mike Johnson. He acknowledged that the Republican messaging was growing stale and hinted at a potential shift in strategy. Johnson described the current situation as the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history and criticized Democrats for not addressing the issue effectively.
Current Status of the Government Shutdown
With over 42% of the time allotted for a House-passed continuing resolution already elapsed, Johnson recognizes the urgency. He stated, “The calendar is being eaten up by all this political nonsense.” As the November 21 deadline nears, he expressed concern that completing appropriations on time will become more challenging.
Speaker Johnson’s Remarks
- Johnson emphasized that House Republicans are nearly united on their strategy.
- He cited internal support, stating they are “almost 100%” aligned in refusing negotiations with Democrats.
- Despite acknowledging the time constraints, he insisted on a day-by-day approach to decision-making.
Opposition Voices
On the same day, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced hopes for a resolution by the end of the month. However, he did not indicate willingness to compromise on his demands, which total $1.5 trillion. Jeffries criticized Republicans for their inaction, emphasizing that they remained on “vacation” during a crucial period.
Trump’s Stance
Jeffries pointed out Donald Trump’s upcoming international travel plans, which include high-level meetings in Asia. He responded to Trump’s assertion that negotiation with Democrats would only occur post-shutdown by lamenting the president’s avoidance of discussions to create a bipartisan spending agreement.
Public Perception of Responsibility
A recent Quinnipiac University poll indicates mixed public opinions regarding responsibility for the shutdown:
| Responsible Party | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Republicans in Congress | 45% |
| Democrats in Congress | 39% |
| Both Parties Equally | 11% |
As discussions continue, it remains clear that both parties face intense scrutiny as the shutdown extends. With the possibility of evolving strategies and public pressure building, the question remains: how will leaders respond as deadlines loom?
