Speaker Johnson places blame on Senate Democrats
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Senate Democrats in a Fox Business interview, accusing them of rejecting a Republican short‐term funding bill (a continuing resolution, or CR) that the House passed to prevent a shutdown through November 21. He argued the House Republicans acted responsibly by passing a “clean” CR weeks ago, but Senate Democrats have “repeatedly blocked it.” Johnson framed the stalemate as a partisan tactic by Democrats seeking political advantage rather than a genuine effort to keep the government open.
Votes, dynamics, and accusations
Johnson noted that the House’s CR drew support from 50 senators, including two Democrats — Catherine Cortez Masto (D‑NV) and Angus King (I‑ME) — while Senator John Fetterman (D‑PA) abstained. He claimed that Senate leadership, including Chuck Schumer, is bowing to pressure from the Democratic progressive wing, refusing to negotiate in good faith. He urged that Democrats’ counter proposal includes spending priorities he considers “wasteful” — for example, funding for public broadcasting and expanded benefits for undocumented immigrants — and dismissed it as unserious.
No room to compromise, per the Speaker
Johnson maintained that Republicans have already offered a minimal, nonpartisan solution and said there is “nothing left to compromise on.” He emphasized that previous shutdowns typically resulted from partisan amendments or rider provisions tacked onto CRs — strategies Republicans avoided in their version. He sees the standoff as ideological rather than procedural, and held Democrats responsible for prolonging the shutdown by refusing a simple funding vote.
Risks, strategy, and mounting pressure
Johnson’s hardline posture includes keeping the House out of session until the Senate acts, thereby heightening pressure on Democrats. Observers warn that this tactic runs political risk for Republicans, especially as the shutdown drags on and public frustration grows. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats remain firm that any reopening must include protections like health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, creating a deeper impasse over substantive issues beyond just funding.
