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.