House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a strong message to Senate Democrats Thursday, canceling all House votes next week and effectively forcing senators to take action if the legislature is to reopen the government.
Johnson stated that his chamber will not return to session until Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer agrees to pass the GOP’s clean funding proposal—a measure Johnson says Democrats have repeatedly blocked while insisting on adding health care conditions. He framed the cancellation as a pressure move, contending that Democrats are choosing ideology over governance.
The maneuver underscores the deep impasse: Republicans argue that Democrats are refusing to compromise on Obamacare subsidies, while Democratic leaders maintain that certain health and social issues must be included in any funding bill. With no clear path forward yet, Johnson’s move raises the stakes and places the burden squarely on Senate Democrats to act.