After interrupting Speaker Mike Johnson’s speech outside the U.S.
Capitol and asking that he meet with her caucus to resolve the shutdown,
moderate Democrat Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., got into a furious argument
with Johnson.
When a reporter asked a question, Johnson said,
“I can’t
hear you because we have someone who doesn’t respect the rights of their
colleagues.”
Houlahan attempted to summon order, but he continued to shout over
the speaker.
“You have an obligation not just to speak lies to the
American people, you have an obligation to call the leadership of both parties
and bring us together, and solve this problem together,”
she yelled.
House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich., erupted back,
“You
have an obligation!”
“We did that before the shutdown began. I went to the White
House. We went and sat in front of the Resolute Desk. We brought [House
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck
Schumer, D-N.Y.] in and we had a discussion,”
Johnson responded.
“The president said, ‘Please don’t shut the government down,
it would all this pain to the American people.’ This has never happened before.
It is a clean, non-partisan CR that every Democrat, including you, voted no
on,”
he said.
On Day 36 of the government shutdown, which is currently the longest deadlock in American history, tensions are high.
Houlahan shot back,
“You are absolutely misrepresenting
history, sir, and you know that you are, and you’re dividing the American
people unnecessarily.”
The two continued to speak over each other, with Johnson accusing
Houlahan of having “regret” for her vote.
“No, sir, I do not regret anything. It’s important that we
work together and that we unify,”
she
responded.
Johnson said,
“I appreciate your input. Now somebody give
me a question that’s real.”
“I appreciate you too,”
she finished.
Following Tuesday night’s overwhelming Democratic wins in
elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City, it was Johnson’s first
shutdown press conference.
On September 19, the House approved a short-term government
funding package that would give lawmakers until November 21 to agree on
spending levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
However, the proposal has failed 14 times in the Senate due to the
left’s insistence that any funding agreement be accompanied by an extension of
Obamacare subsidies from the COVID-19 pandemic, which are scheduled to expire
at the end of this year. Therefore, at least some Democrats are required to
advance the legislation.
Republicans have argued that healthcare and government spending
are distinct problems.
How did Speaker Mike Johnson respond afterward?
After the interruption at the House GOP government arrestment
press conference, Speaker Mike Johnson responded by emphasizing the need for
respect and order during similar events. He accused Egalitarians of playing
political games by advancing to initiate the shutdown and blocking backing
measures for important services like colors.
Johnson reiterated that Republicans want to renew the government
without” prejudiced strings attached” and avoid rescue conditions in
exchange for backing. He called on Egalitarians, especially in the Senate, to
come to their senses and end the shutdown to allow Congress to do its
job.
Johnson also stressed that the arrestment was gratuitous and that Republicans
have been working on appropriations and crucial legislation. His response
framed the shutdown as a result of political inhibition by Egalitarians, while
situating the GOP as concentrated on responsible governance.
