As the government shutdown nears its 30th day, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has dismissed calls to bring lawmakers back to Washington, labeling the idea a “futile exercise.” Johnson argued that any new continuing resolution (CR) passed by the Republican-controlled House would be rejected by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats, accusing them of pursuing a “misguided” strategy while shifting blame for the standoff. “If I brought the House back, and we passed another CR, it would meet the exact same fate,” Johnson said Wednesday, defending his decision to keep the chamber on recess.
The House last voted on September 19, passing a clean stopgap bill to fund the government through November 21. Johnson has since held firm, saying Republicans are taking the situation “day-by-day” while allowing time to complete appropriations work. Despite mounting pressure, the Senate has repeatedly failed to advance the House’s funding proposal, with 14 unsuccessful votes so far. Even if passed, Johnson noted, the measure would only provide a short-term extension — three weeks — before another funding crisis looms.
Critics, including Senate Democrats and some moderate Republicans, argue that Johnson’s strategy leaves Congress idle while federal workers and services bear the brunt of the shutdown. Several frustrated GOP lawmakers reportedly vented during a private call this week about being sidelined as negotiations stagnate. Meanwhile, Democrats have urged the House to return to Washington and begin work on long-term spending bills rather than waiting for the Senate to act.
Johnson pushed back at media scrutiny over the House’s absence, claiming coverage focuses too much on “the calendar” instead of the harm caused by the shutdown. Despite growing bipartisan impatience, the Speaker remains steadfast: “It doesn’t matter what we do in the House. It doesn’t matter what we pass.” His remarks signal no imminent movement toward reopening the government as the November 21 funding deadline approaches.
