Mike Johnson uses Dems’ own words against them in new anti-shutdown campaign
Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, is ramping up the pressure on House Democrats just hours before a crucial vote on a bill to prevent a partial government shutdown by the end of the week.
The video clip, which lasts less than two minutes, features prominent Democratic lawmakers emphasizing their party’s stance against government shutdowns and the negative consequences they bring, such as office closures and mass furloughs.
The video begins with a message on the screen stating, “House Democrats have long warned about the consequences of a government shutdown.” This is followed by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating during a press conference, “We believe in governance. We want to keep government open. A shutdown is very serious.”
“It is not normal to hold 800,000 workers’ paychecks hostage. It is not normal to shut down the government when we don’t get what we want,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says in another clip featured in the video.
The video concludes with white text on a black screen that reads, “What’s changed? Now Democrats want to shut down the government to try to stop President Trump.”
“Democrats have railed against government shutdowns. But now they’re supporting one,” Johnson stated in a written statement to Fox News Digital. “They’re willing to do anything to stop President Trump from implementing his agenda.”
This latest move by Johnson represents a significant escalation in the ongoing battle between Democrats and Republicans over a plan pushed by President Donald Trump and GOP leaders to avoid a partial government shutdown.
The proposed 99-page bill released by House GOP leaders aims to keep the government funded through the end of fiscal year 2025, on September 30. The bill would extend FY 2024 government funding levels, effectively maintaining federal spending levels for another year.
The bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), is set to be voted on by the House on Tuesday afternoon. However, Democrats have strongly criticized the bill for lacking constraints on Trump’s authority, particularly regarding government spending.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with other Democratic leaders, condemned the bill for cutting healthcare, nutritional assistance, and veterans benefits while failing to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Despite pushback from Democrats, House GOP leaders are confident that the bill will pass. However, at least six Republicans remain undecided or opposed to the bill as of Tuesday morning.
The bill includes an additional $6 billion for veterans healthcare, contrary to accusations that it touches Medicare and Medicaid, which are mandatory government programs that cannot be significantly cut through the appropriations process.
Passing the bill with little Democratic support will be a challenge for Republican leaders, but House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expressed confidence that it would pass during a statement on Monday night.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is leading the coverage of the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind for updates and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
