Speaker Mike Johnson is facing mounting pressure from all sides as the government shutdown continues, with critics within his own party joining Democrats in demanding action. Johnson has kept the House out of session since September, after passing a stopgap spending bill, expecting Democrats to cave. Instead, Democrats have rejected a clean continuing resolution, demanding extended tax credits for the Affordable Care Act.
During a C-SPAN appearance, a Republican military spouse from Virginia criticised Johnson for failing to protect military pay. Johnson deflected blame to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Meanwhile, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene lambasted Johnson and Republican leadership for lacking a plan to address rising health care premiums, even suggesting ending the filibuster to resolve the shutdown.
Johnson is also under fire for refusing to swear in Democrat Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election in Arizona's 7th district. Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly confronted Johnson, arguing that 750,000 constituents lack representation. Speculation suggests Johnson is blocking Grijalva to prevent a discharge petition on Jeffrey Epstein files.
Senator Gallego told The Independent that Republicans had no backup plan when Democrats refused to fold. Johnson, who became speaker two years ago after a bitter GOP fight, previously navigated bipartisan deals and avoided a conservative coup. However, President Donald Trump has remained largely absent from negotiations, focusing on spending cuts and health care demands.
Despite the pressure, Johnson retains leverage as speaker, controlling the House calendar. Senator Schumer acknowledged that any deal requires agreement among all four party leaders. But with troops unpaid and health care premiums potentially doubling, Johnson's position grows increasingly precarious.
