House Speaker Mike Johnson Confident Government Shutdown Will End By Tuesday
Despite procedural issues and uncertainty from Democratic leadership, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is optimistic that the partial government shutdown will be resolved by Tuesday. The shutdown began early Saturday morning after Senate Democrats rejected a bipartisan funding deal, insisting on reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Johnson expressed his confidence in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, stating, “Let’s say I’m confident that we’ll do it at least by Tuesday.” He emphasized that Republicans are committed to doing the responsible thing and ending the shutdown promptly.
This current shutdown differs from the record-breaking one last year, with negotiations ongoing to reach a resolution. The House had passed six funding bills to keep the government running, but Senate Democrats pushed back following the shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol in Minneapolis.
President Trump supported GOP leaders’ decision to negotiate with Democrats on their shutdown demands. A deal was struck to pass five of the six bills, putting the sixth bill, covering the Department of Homeland Security, on hold for two weeks to allow for further negotiations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has outlined demands for tighter use of warrants, ending roving patrols, and enforcing better accountability on immigration officers. Johnson raised concerns about some of these demands, including requiring officers to remove masks and wear ID, citing safety risks.
As negotiations continue, Trump has adjusted his approach in Minnesota under Operation Metro Surge, appointing Tom Homan as the lead. Despite efforts to reach a compromise, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has not guaranteed Democratic support for the funding deal.
Republicans are concerned that Democrats may not assist in fast-tracking the passage of the funding deal, potentially leading to a more time-consuming process through the House Rules Committee. The rules panel is scheduled to review the deal on Monday, with logistical challenges anticipated in getting all members in town for the vote.
