The heat is dialing up in D.C. And now it’s reaching a fever pitch.
Because Mike Johnson hit Chuck Schumer with a one-two punch he’ll never forget.
House Stands Firm as Schumer Stalls Shutdown Talks
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., scrapped House votes for a fourth straight week, intensifying pressure on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., whose relentless obstruction has prolonged the government shutdown.
Since the House passed a funding plan on September 19—the last day it was in session—Schumer’s Democrats have torpedoed the GOP’s proposal 12 times, prioritizing partisan demands over restoring federal operations.
Johnson’s move, announced during Friday’s pro forma session, keeps lawmakers in their districts, underscoring his refusal to bow to Schumer’s intransigence.
The GOP’s plan, a continuing resolution (CR) extending fiscal year 2025 spending through November 21, seeks time to craft a long-term fiscal year 2026 deal.
Schumer, however, has dug in, refusing to support any bill that doesn’t extend expiring COVID-19-era Obamacare subsidies, a stance critics say holds the government hostage to his narrow agenda.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., accused Republicans of being “on vacation for the last four weeks,” but the real roadblock lies in Schumer’s Senate, where progress remains stalled.
GOP Unity Holds Despite Schumer’s Tactics
Most Republicans back Johnson’s hardline approach, seeing it as a necessary counter to Schumer’s tactics. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., who led Friday’s pro forma session, signaled flexibility if Schumer’s Senate passes a “clean CR” but saw no reason to shift strategy.
“I would defer, ultimately, to [leadership’s] decisions for the schedule. But right now, I don’t see any sign that we need to change what has been on the counter,” Smith said.
Pro forma sessions, mandated by the Constitution, allow minimal legislative activity like speeches, but Schumer’s refusal to compromise has rendered them symbolic.
Cracks in GOP Patience Amid Schumer’s Gridlock
While Johnson’s leadership enjoys broad GOP support, some Republicans are frustrated by the prolonged standoff, indirectly fueled by Schumer’s unyielding demands. Reps. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., have openly criticized the House’s absence.
“I believe very strongly that it’s the wrong decision,” Kiley told MSNBC, urging legislative action. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, echoed concerns on a Tuesday GOP call, warning, “I think the longer that we are out, the messaging is starting to get old.”
Despite these tensions, Johnson’s focus remains on forcing Schumer to relent, as the Senate leader’s fixation on subsidies continues to paralyze Washington, leaving federal workers and services in limbo.
