Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) addressed reporters on day six of the ongoing government shutdown, calling out Democrats for what he described as misleading messaging. Johnson argued that Republicans are the ones actively working to fix the nation’s healthcare system, while Democrats are using the issue as a political distraction.
Johnson explained that House Republicans introduced a straightforward continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through November 21. The 24-page measure, which he described as “clean,” contains no policy changes and simply extends existing funding levels. Johnson emphasized that the CR maintains the Biden-era status quo—something Democrats claim to support—but provides additional time to negotiate appropriations.
Despite bipartisan support for the CR in the House, Johnson accused Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) of derailing negotiations by introducing healthcare demands into the conversation. “They created a red herring,” Johnson said, adding that the healthcare debate was always scheduled for later in the year. He pointed to the December 31 expiration of certain tax credits and subsidies as the appropriate timeline for such discussions.
Johnson maintained that Republicans are serious about fixing healthcare and that the issue is not just campaign rhetoric. He referenced the “working families tax cut” as part of a broader Republican healthcare agenda, which includes making care more affordable, increasing access, and improving quality. According to Johnson, GOP lawmakers are actively drafting solutions and plan to advance them in the coming months.
He accused Democrats of attempting to tie healthcare to government funding as a way to regain political momentum, saying their current policy platform lacks popular support. “In his desperation, [Schumer] hastily filed an outrageous counter proposal. It is a wild wish list of big government liberal nonsense that we can’t do,” Johnson stated.
Republicans insist the CR would allow time for substantive debate on healthcare while avoiding a prolonged shutdown. Johnson concluded by reaffirming that the GOP remains focused on responsible governance and real policy solutions.
