House Speaker Johnson: Shutdown is Dem ‘Political Theater’
As the federal government shutdown entered its ninth day, House Speaker Mike Johnson intensified his criticism of Democratic lawmakers, accusing them of engaging in “political theater” over the lapse in funding. Speaking from a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, Johnson firmly placed the blame for the ongoing fiscal impasse squarely on the opposition.
The Speaker was pressed on whether a standalone measure to ensure military personnel continued to receive their paychecks was under consideration. Johnson’s response was notably evasive, strongly implying that such a bill was not being pursued independently. He contended that separate legislation would be unnecessary if Senate Democrats were to advance the comprehensive funding package already approved by the House.
Funding Standoff and Accusations
Johnson articulated his position, stating, “We sent a totally clean document over there, because we’re operating in good faith.” He highlighted the House’s actions, emphasizing, “We put that bill on the floor, and the Republicans voted to pay the troops. TSA, agent, border patrol, air traffic control, everybody else. The Democrats voted no.” This statement underscored his argument that House Republicans had acted responsibly in seeking to avert the shutdown, while Democrats had obstructed progress.
The Louisiana Republican continued to lambast Democratic lawmakers for their role in the funding crisis. “It’s political theater to them. They’ve reduced Americans pain to a political problem,” Johnson asserted. He specifically called out Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, quoting him as saying, “every day of the shutdown gets better for us.” Johnson then publicly questioned Schumer’s logic, asking, “What the heck is he talking about?” His remarks painted a picture of Democrats prioritizing political gain over the welfare of American citizens impacted by the shutdown.
Praise for Trump’s Middle East Diplomacy
Beyond the domestic budget battle, Speaker Johnson also touched upon international affairs, revealing he had conversed with former President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening. Their discussion followed the announcement of the initial phase of a peace agreement concerning Gaza. “He and I both lament, we all do, this terrible situation that we’re in while we’re working to do all these positive things for the people and even settle conflicts around the world,” Johnson remarked, connecting the global challenges to the broader efforts of political leaders.
Johnson dedicated a significant portion of his opening remarks to commending the Trump administration for its instrumental role in brokering what he described as the first phase of an Israel-Hamas peace deal. This agreement, as outlined by Johnson, encompasses critical elements: the release of all Israeli hostages, the liberation of Palestinian prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israel’s military forces from the territory.
The Speaker lauded Trump’s diplomatic prowess, expressing strong confidence in his ability to foster lasting peace. “He’s going to bring peace and security back to Israel and truly lay the foundation for a lasting peace in the Middle East,” Johnson proclaimed. He further elaborated on the historical significance of such an achievement: “This is a goal and an objective that’s been stated by presidents and politicians and policymakers and people around the globe for generations. President Trump has the strength and the vision and the resolve to do it.” Johnson’s comments underscored a belief that Trump possesses unique capabilities to navigate complex international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, a region where durable peace has long been elusive.
Source: The Guardian
