House Speaker Mike Johnson (R‑LA) is rejecting a Democrat-backed counterproposal to avoid a government shutdown, calling it “dirty” and packed with partisan demands. As negotiations intensify, Johnson is holding firm on a clean continuing resolution (CR) that maintains current spending levels without unrelated add-ons.
Johnson accused Democrats of trying to leverage the shutdown to force through left-wing priorities unrelated to basic government funding. The Democrat proposal reportedly includes increased spending for climate programs, expanded immigration benefits, and protections for controversial DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives embedded in federal agencies.
The Speaker stated that Republicans are offering a straightforward solution to keep the government open: a CR that continues existing funding levels while negotiations on long-term appropriations continue. “We have extended a clean resolution in good faith. It’s the Democrats who are playing politics and risking American livelihoods in the process,” Johnson said.
Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D‑NY), are pushing for add-ons they claim reflect “national priorities,” but Republicans argue the provisions would escalate inflation, embolden illegal immigration, and impose radical policies on federal institutions.
Republicans emphasize that essential services like military pay and veterans benefits are being used as bargaining chips in a political game. Johnson’s position has earned praise from fiscal conservatives who say the GOP must not fold under pressure to approve bloated, progressive wish lists tied to basic government funding.
With the shutdown deadline approaching, Republicans are highlighting their willingness to negotiate—once Democrats agree to decouple partisan policy from core funding. Polling suggests the public is split, but Johnson appears determined to hold the line.
