Speaker Mike Johnson has called on House members to return to Capitol Hill immediately as the chamber prepares to vote on a funding package that would end the 41-day government shutdown. The Senate has signaled the legislation is on track to pass this week, with House members on a 36-hour notice to return. Johnson acknowledged ongoing air travel disruptions due to the shutdown, emphasizing the need for prompt action.
Johnson, who made the rare decision to keep the House out of session for more than 50 days in a bid to persuade Senate Democrats to fold, declared victory in the shutdown during a Monday morning appearance. He left without taking questions but later told reporters in the hallway that ‘I think we will’ have the votes to pass the package in the House. Johnson told reporters at his prior appearance that President Donald, Trump was ‘very anxious’ to reopen the government, suggesting he would ensure fellow Republicans fall in line.
‘As recently as last night, I was with him, and he told the press, he said, ‘We want to get the government open,’ he said. The funding package, which would provide full-year funding for food aid, farm and veterans programs and congressional operations, while extending funding for most other federal departments and agencies through Jan. 30, is a critical step toward ending the prolonged fiscal impasse. The decision to keep the House out of session for over 50 days was a strategic move by Johnson to pressure Senate Democrats, but now the focus shifts to securing bipartisan support for the bill amidst ongoing logistical challenges.