House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has canceled votes in the House of Representatives for a fourth consecutive week, escalating pressure on Senate Democrats, particularly Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, as the government shutdown approaches its one-month mark. The move, part of a broader strategy to pressure Senate Democrats into a decisive action, comes as the federal funding deadlock shows no signs of resolution.
Republicans are urging a short-term extension of fiscal year (FY) 2025 spending levels through November 21, known as a continuing resolution (CR), to provide congressional negotiators with time to reach a longer-term deal for FY2026. However, Democrats, frustrated at being sidelined in federal funding discussions, have been withholding support for any spending bill that does not also extend pandemic-era enhanced Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.
Johnson’s decision was announced during a brief pro forma session in the House on Friday afternoon. Pro forma sessions are a constitutional requirement for the chamber to meet every few days, even when there are no formal legislative matters at hand. These sessions also offer lawmakers the opportunity to give short speeches or introduce legislation. However, the pro forma session on Friday was also used to signal a continued legislative standstill.
Democrats have criticized Johnson’s decision, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., suggesting that Republicans have been ‘on vacation for the last four weeks.’ Despite this, most Republicans remain united behind Johnson’s strategy. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., expressed willingness to pursue options if the Senate were to pass a clean CR, emphasizing the need for legislative action to resolve the funding deadlock.
Notably, however, several Republican lawmakers have publicly questioned the effectiveness of Johnson’s approach. Reps. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., have expressed concerns that the prolonged absence from Washington may be undermining the GOP’s position. Additionally, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, suggested that being out of session could be detrimental to the party’s standing, raising concerns about the ongoing legislative stalemate.
As the government shutdown continues, the stalemate between House and Senate leaders is expected to persist unless a compromise is reached. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for federal operations, including the potential impact on military pay and the continuation of pandemic-era support programs.