House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) rejected a request from Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for a primetime debate on the House floor regarding the Senate Democrats’ government shutdown. The dispute unfolded amid ongoing congressional gridlock, with Johnson dismissing Jeffries’ proposal as a “publicity stunt.”
Johnson emphasized that the House had already fulfilled its legislative responsibilities by passing a short-term funding bill to keep the government operational through November 21. He criticized Jeffries for seeking attention amid low approval ratings, stating, “When the poll says that about 13 percent of the people approve of your messaging, then you make desperate pleas for attention, and that’s what Hakeem Jeffries has done.”
The funding bill, which passed the House along party lines, faces opposition in the Senate, where Democrats have consistently blocked Republican-led efforts. Johnson argued that the onus now falls on Senate leaders to resolve the deadlock, noting, “The ball is in the Senate’s court now.” Meanwhile, Senate Democrats continue pushing for amendments to the GOP-backed plan, including extensions of Obamacare subsidies and revisions to policies enacted under former President Donald J. Trump.
Jeffries accused Republicans of orchestrating the shutdown over healthcare policy disagreements and failing to engage in bipartisan dialogue. However, Johnson defended the House’s actions, framing the standoff as a result of Democratic obstructionism. The stalemate persists as negotiations remain deadlocked, with no immediate resolution in sight.
