WASHINGTON (AP) — After refusing to convene the U.S. House during the government shutdown, Speaker Mike Johnson is recalling lawmakers back into session — and facing an avalanche of pent-up legislative demands from those who have largely been sidelined from governing.
Hundreds of representatives are preparing to return Wednesday to Washington after a nearly eight-week absence, carrying a torrent of ideas, proposals and frustrations over work that has stalled since the Speaker closed the House doors nearly two months ago.
The initial vote will be to reopen the government, but other pressing matters are also on the table, including discussions surrounding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and the swearing in of Arizona’s Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. These unresolved issues represent a fresh test to Johnson’s grip on power and highlight the renewed focus on his leadership style.
“It’s extraordinary,” said Matthew Green, a professor at The Catholic University of America. “What Speaker Johnson and Republicans are doing, you have to go back decades to find an example where the House — either chamber — decided not to meet.”
Gaveling in after two months gone
As the House reconvenes, this marks a significant point in Johnson’s tenure, highlighting his willingness to disrupt institutional norms in pursuit of broader strategies, despite the risks involved in diminishing House authority.
Instead of exercising the immense powers vested in his position to steer legislative debates actively, Johnson opted to close the House down, which has resulted in a surprisingly deferential atmosphere towards President Donald Trump. This break from traditional functions left the chamber silent—neglecting basic responsibilities like passing routine legislation and conducting oversight.
During the shutdown, Johnson remarked, “You can see it is pretty empty around here,” as he referenced the noticeable absence of Congress members. He attributed the closure to a Democratic impasse over health care funds.
An empty House as a political strategy
Johnson defended his strategy, reasoning that the House had fulfilled its duties by passing a stopgap funding bill in September, leaving the Senate responsible for further action. His reluctance to engage in negotiations with Senate leaders has drawn scrutiny, especially as his relationship with Trump has strengthened through public support and media appearances.
His actions have illustrated a shift of power towards the executive branch, leading critics to voice concerns about the legislative branch's abdication of responsibility under his watch.
Tough decisions ahead for the Speaker
As lawmakers prepare to return, the challenges ahead for Johnson include negotiating a complex reopening package amidst discontent among House Democrats. The situation necessitates a careful balancing act for Johnson, with future discussions likely to test the stability of his leadership.
