House Speaker Mike Johnson Sees No Endgame in Sight to Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON (AP) - House Speaker Mike Johnson predicted Monday that the federal government shutdown may become the longest in history, with no endgame in sight.
Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said he would not negotiate with Democrats until they pause their health care demands and reopen the government. The 13th day of the shutdown saw thousands of federal workers being fired by the Trump administration, a move widely seen as an attempt to reduce the scope of government.
"We're barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history," Johnson said at the Capitol. "With no endgame in sight, the shutdown is expected to roll on for the unforeseeable future."
The closure has halted routine government operations, shuttered Smithsonian museums and other landmark cultural institutions, and left airports scrambling with flight disruptions.
The mass layoff of federal workers has sparked outrage from employee unions, who are suing the administration. Vice President JD Vance warned of "painful cuts ahead" as a result of the shutdown.
Johnson's stance is at odds with Democratic leaders, who have called for negotiations to reopen the government and address their health care demands. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that Democrats are willing to compromise but need Republicans to meet them halfway.
"We're not going to give in to these extreme demands," Schumer said. "We're willing to work together, but we need a commitment from Speaker Johnson to negotiate."
The shutdown has been ongoing since December 22, with no clear resolution in sight. The longest government shutdown on record lasted for 21 days in 1996.
As the standoff continues, federal workers are facing financial hardship and uncertainty about their jobs. Many have been forced to take unpaid leave or seek alternative employment.
Johnson's office did not respond to requests for comment on how long the shutdown would last or what concessions Democrats might need to make to reopen the government.
The impact of the shutdown is being felt across the country, with many federal agencies and services operating at reduced capacity. The National Park Service has closed national parks, while the Internal Revenue Service has suspended tax refunds.
As the shutdown enters its second month, lawmakers are facing increasing pressure from constituents and advocacy groups to find a solution. However, with no endgame in sight, it remains unclear when or if the government will reopen.
Background:
The current government shutdown is the result of a dispute between Democrats and Republicans over funding for border security and health care. Democrats have refused to approve funding for a border wall, while Republicans have insisted on including provisions related to health care reform.
Additional Perspectives:
Some experts say that Johnson's stance may be a strategic move to pressure Democrats into concessions. "Speaker Johnson is trying to put the ball in the Democratic court," said Mark Sanford, a former South Carolina congressman and Republican leader. "He's saying, 'If you want to reopen the government, you need to meet us halfway.'"
Others argue that Johnson's refusal to negotiate is a sign of weakness. "The speaker is boxed in by his own party's demands," said Democratic strategist David Axelrod. "He needs to find a way to break the logjam and get negotiations moving."
Current Status:
With no endgame in sight, the shutdown is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Washington on January 3, but it remains unclear what progress will be made.
As the standoff continues, federal workers and their families are facing increasing hardship. Many are seeking assistance from food banks and other organizations to make ends meet.
The impact of the shutdown is being felt across the country, with many federal agencies and services operating at reduced capacity. The National Park Service has closed national parks, while the Internal Revenue Service has suspended tax refunds.
As the shutdown enters its second month, lawmakers are facing increasing pressure from constituents and advocacy groups to find a solution. However, with no endgame in sight, it remains unclear when or if the government will reopen.
*Reporting by Fortune.*
