WASHINGTON (AP) — In a concerning escalation, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson predicted on Monday that the federal government shutdown may become the longest in history. Johnson firmly stated he won't negotiate with Democrats until they halt their health care demands and agree to reopen operations.
As he addressed reporters at the Capitol on the 13th day of the shutdown, Johnson expressed a lack of awareness regarding the mass layoffs affecting thousands of federal workers by the Trump administration. This situation has raised eyebrows and is perceived by many as a mechanism to leverage the shutdown to cut government size.
Vice President JD Vance has echoed the sentiment of potential painful cuts ahead, with the looming risk of employee unions filing lawsuits against such layoffs.
“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” remarked Johnson, emphasizing the need for immediate action as the stalemate continues without resolution in sight.
As the shutdown persists, various government functions have come to a halt. With numerous cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian, closed, and flight disruptions impacting airports, the situation is adding layers of complexity to an already unstable economy.
The House of Representatives remains out of legislative session with Speaker Johnson refusing to call lawmakers back to Washington. The Senate, returning on Tuesday, is essentially gridlocked with failed votes as Democrats insist on fulfilling their health care priorities.
Johnson's comments come amidst an ongoing debate surrounding key health care policies, particularly the Affordable Care Act subsidies critical for millions of Americans. These funds are set to expire soon, further complicating the political dynamics. Republicans maintain that the health care issue can be addressed later, while Democrats are demanding immediate negotiations and solutions.
With the multitude of issues embroiled in this shutdown, both parties are being pressured to find common ground before the end of the month—the point when open enrollment for health programs begins. Federal workers who receive monthly paychecks are also poised to face delays if an agreement is not reached soon.
Johnson acknowledged President Trump's assurance that military personnel will be paid during the shutdown, thereby alleviating one of the pressure points that might have motivated discussions. However, the overall situation reflects a deeply entrenched partisanship that continues to obstruct meaningful dialogue.
As history has shown, previous shutdowns have stemmed from similar contentious policy disputes, raising questions about whether this cycle can be broken in the near future.
