House Speaker Mike Johnson on Ending Government Shutdown: 'Beginning of the End'

Senate Vote and Government Reopening

• 💡 The Senate's vote to move towards ending the government shutdown is described as the 'beginning of the end' of a long national nightmare.
• 🎯 The Senate is moving forward on an amended House Continuing Resolution (CR) that will reopen the government until January 30th.
• 🗓️ House members will be put on 36-hour notice to return to Washington D.C. once the Senate passes the final vote.

Key Provisions in the CR

• 💰 The amended CR includes provisions to fully fund SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) through the end of the next fiscal year (September 2026).
• 🧑‍💼 It also guarantees back pay for all federal workers who have endured hardships during the shutdown.
• 🏛️ Additionally, the CR includes the passage of three appropriations bills: the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs bill, the Agriculture bill, and the Legislative Branch bill.

Republican Stance on Negotiations

• 🔑 Republicans have consistently stated they would not negotiate on issues while the government is held hostage to anyone's political agenda.
• 🏥 The party has been open to finding solutions to reduce the oppressive costs of healthcare under the Affordable Care Act.
• 📊 Republicans have been actively passing new laws to address costs, fraud, and abuse in healthcare, rather than just discussing them.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

• ⏳ Shutting down the government is stated to never produce anything and has historically not been an effective strategy.
• 🙏 The speaker expresses gratitude that some Senate Democrats have finally stepped forward to end the pain and suffering of the American people.
• 🇺🇸 The ultimate goal is to get the government open and to the President's desk for signature.