WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Monday that the United States is “barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns” in history as lawmakers remain deadlocked over federal funding and policy issues.
The government shutdown, now approaching its third week, continues to affect millions of Americans, federal employees, and essential services.
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Johnson’s comments highlight the growing uncertainty for government operations, health insurance, disaster relief, and other critical programs.
Speaking to reporters, Johnson said, “We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history, unless Democrats drop their partisan demands and pass a clean no strings attached budget to reopen the government and pay our federal workers,” according to CNN.
He also referenced former President Barack Obama, saying, “What Barack Obama demanded then is exactly what Republicans are saying now, we will not allow the American people to be taken hostage over partisan demands,” CNN reports.
The shutdown began nearly two weeks ago amid a standoff in Congress over the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.
Republicans want to negotiate funding separately from the subsidies, while Democrats insist that they be renewed before any budget deal is approved.
So far, the Senate has voted seven times without success to pass a House Republican proposal to temporarily reopen the government until November 21.
