House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, criticized Democratic lawmakers for dragging out the government shutdown on Friday during an appearance on ‘Fox & Friends.’ Johnson accused his Democratic colleagues of ‘prolonging’ the crisis, stating that the situation was no longer sustainable and that action was needed to reopen the government. The speaker called for a resolution that would allow federal agencies to resume operations, emphasizing that the prolonged shutdown was harming both citizens and the economy.
Meanwhile, major airlines have publicly endorsed a bill proposed to end the shutdown, adding pressure on lawmakers to reach a compromise. Airlines have warned that the shutdown is disrupting travel plans and costing the industry millions in lost revenue. The support from airlines comes amid growing frustration with the political gridlock, as businesses and individuals continue to bear the brunt of the stalemate. However, the Democratic Party has remained defiant, with some members expressing outrage over President Donald Trump’s recent actions and statements.
Democrats have criticized Trump’s briefing on potential military strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats as a diversion from the government shutdown. They argue that such actions are not only politically motivated but also inflame tensions between the two major parties. The situation is expected to remain contentious in the coming days as the House and Senate continue to negotiate a path forward. The ongoing standoff highlights the deepening polarization in Congress and the challenges of finding common ground in a deeply divided political landscape.