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So far, the Senate has voted 13 times on versions of the funding measure, while Johnson includes the original House passage in his count of “15” total chances. Each time, Democrats have chosen to block progress.
WATCH:
With the clock ticking toward a critical weekend deadline, Johnson is warning that Democrats’ refusal to cooperate could soon hit working Americans hard. Calling the upcoming Saturday a “fateful” day, he spelled out the devastating consequences that would follow if the Senate doesn’t act.
“Starting on Saturday, let me give you a list of things that this means for the American people: it means that tens of millions of American families will struggle to keep food on the table, because the SNAP program benefits will run dry. It means that WIC assistance — that’s Women, Infants and Children, nutrition programs — will be at risk of running dry. It means that Head Start centers, which serve 60,000 children nationwide, will be at risk of closure,” Johnson warned. “Millions of federal workers … will miss their paychecks.”
The Speaker’s remarks paint a stark picture of what’s at stake — and he’s placing the blame squarely on Senate Democrats. Johnson argues that Republicans have already done their part by passing a responsible funding bill that would keep essential programs alive and ensure federal workers continue to be paid.
In Johnson’s view, the Democrats’ refusal to move forward isn’t about policy — it’s about politics. He’s accusing the Left of holding American families hostage to force Republicans to back down on spending cuts and border security measures.
Republicans have consistently said that the House plan is a straightforward, reasonable package that maintains government operations while addressing fiscal responsibility. But Democrats, Johnson says, would rather see the country suffer than admit Republicans have the better plan.
Behind closed doors, reports suggest that Senate Democrats are feeling the heat as public pressure builds. Yet despite multiple chances to resolve the impasse, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his caucus appear determined to stand firm — even if that means letting the shutdown drag on past the November 1 deadline.
As the shutdown deadline looms, Johnson’s frustration is clear. He’s urging Democrats to put politics aside and act in the nation’s best interest before the weekend.
“The Democrats in the Senate will have their 15th opportunity to do the right thing,” he reminded reporters. “If they reject this for the 15th time, they will be ensuring that this shutdown continues.”
The message from the Speaker couldn’t be more direct — Republicans are ready to govern, and Democrats are standing in the way.
If nothing changes by Saturday, Johnson warns, the consequences will be felt nationwide — from parents depending on food assistance to children attending federally funded early education programs.
The Louisiana Republican made it clear: this is not just a political standoff — it’s a moral one. “If Democrats don’t budge soon,” Johnson said, “they’ll own the pain that hits home this weekend.”
