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“It was three weeks ago today, Brian, that the House voted to pay the troops, pay federal workers, and keep the government open. We passed a clean CR. Three weeks ago. The ball is in the Senate’s court. That’s where the duty must be done now,” Johnson explained.
Just last week, Congress worked deep into the night to advance the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act — a $925 billion funding package to keep the Pentagon operating. That was essentially the last significant action the Senate took before lawmakers headed home, leaving the shutdown unresolved.
The House GOP’s continuing resolution and the Democrats’ counteroffer were expected to get one final vote. But as usual, Democrats stalled, and both measures fizzled before they ever made it to the floor. If history is any indication, both likely would have failed for the eighth time.
Meanwhile, Democrats joined forces to block funding that would have ensured America’s troops and civilian federal workers continued to receive their paychecks. The Speaker warned that this reckless move will affect more than 2 million civilian workers and 1.3 million active-duty service members.
The effects of this shutdown are already rippling through communities nationwide. TSA agents may be forced to stop working, flights could face major disruptions, and federal assistance programs that millions rely on could grind to a halt.
“Real harm to real people. We’re hearing it from our constituents. The House Republicans right now are in their districts working, trying to help people through this crisis that’s being created by the Democrats. I mean, it’s health services, it is nutrition services for young mothers and infant children. It’s, you know, all manner of services that are provided. FEMA, they can’t write flood insurance policies in the middle of a hurricane season because of this nonsense. And we’re so angry about it,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he’s reached his breaking point with Democrats’ political gamesmanship. While he considers himself patient, he made it clear he’s done watching the other side toy with Americans’ livelihoods.
“The theory we have right now, they have a ‘Hate America’ rally that’s scheduled for Oct. 18 on the National Mall. It’s all the pro-Hamas wing and the Antifa people, they’re all coming out. Some of the House Democrats are selling T-shirts for the event. And it’s being told to us that they won’t be able to reopen the government until after that rally because they can’t face their rabid base,” Johnson revealed.
The event, dubbed “No Kings Day,” is set to take place across multiple U.S. cities. Left-wing organizers claim it’s meant to show the world that “America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people” while also protesting President Donald Trump.
Johnson slammed Democrats for refusing to pass a clean funding bill — something he noted has never been done in modern congressional history.
“There has never been, in the history of Congress, a party willing to shut the government down over a clean CR,” Johnson said, underscoring that Republicans did not stack the bill with their own demands.
“We just simply said, ‘Give us seven more weeks to finish the government funding process, the appropriations process, and let’s all work together.’ And they chose this moment to put up a fight against President Trump because they have derangement syndrome, and it’s very real, and to show that they’re fighting Republicans,” he continued.
The Speaker ended with a fiery message to Democrats, accusing them of prioritizing their base over the country’s well-being.
“For what?! For what?! They’re hurting the American people, and I’ve just had it,” Johnson declared.
As the shutdown drags on, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Democrats would rather march at rallies than reopen the government and pay America’s troops.
