House Democrats are returning to the House chamber after a record 43-day government shutdown, but their renewed presence is marked by frustration and anger. The party is blaming both Senate Democrats and Speaker Mike Johnson for sidelining them in negotiations and for the prolonged shutdown, which they call a “seven-week paid vacation.”
Their dissatisfaction is further compounded by the absence of a clear path to extend health insurance subsidies, which expire next month. As they prepared for Wednesday’s decisive vote to reopen the government, many members were already in a bitter mood, unwilling to compromise with Republicans on the health care issue.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, voiced her distrust in the Senate’s promise to vote on the subsidies, calling it a complete non-starter. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, vowed to keep pushing the fight, despite the limited procedural options available to Democrats after the shutdown.
Johnson’s decision to keep the House out of session for seven weeks, as well as his refusal to swear in Rep. Adelita Grijalva until the shutdown ended, further inflamed tensions. Grijalva’s swearing-in on Wednesday was met with mixed reactions, with Republicans accusing Democrats of politicizing the process and Democrats criticizing the GOP for blocking her seat.
Meanwhile, some Republicans are also expressing anger over the shutdown, with Rep. Mike Lawler condemning Democrats for their “extremist” behavior. However, Speaker Steve Womack urged his colleagues to temper their emotions during the session’s chaotic proceedings.
With another shutdown deadline looming just weeks away and no progress on the key health care provisions, the partisan rancor is likely to continue to shape the House’s legislative agenda. Democrats are pushing for a bipartisan compromise, but their willingness to engage with Republicans remains in question.