Speaker Mike Johnson Addresses Potential Government Shutdown and Honors Charlie Kirk
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson recently stated his belief that Americans would hold Democrats responsible for a potential government shutdown. He also reiterated his praise for the late Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist. Johnson's comments came during events in his 4th Congressional District in Louisiana.
Potential Government Shutdown Looms
With a looming deadline of midnight on September 30, the U.S. government faces a potential shutdown if Congress fails to pass a short-term funding bill. Johnson, a Republican representing Shreveport, noted that the House has already sent a continuing funding resolution to the Senate.
The bill is facing resistance from Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. Johnson urged Schumer to "come to his senses" to prevent a shutdown.
While Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, 60 votes are needed to pass the bill. Democrats are advocating for the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and threatening a shutdown if these "Obamacare credits" are not included.
"(Schumer) is playing partisan politics and I think it will backfire," Johnson said during a speech at an event at the Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City. "But if it does close, I don't think it will be for long."
Johnson, whose district includes Barksdale Air Force Base and Fort Polk, stated that the Democratic demands would add $1.46 trillion in spending. He described the House bill as "clean - no partisan measures at all." Johnson also mentioned speaking with President Trump on September 24, who is "insistent that the government not shut down."
Remembering Charlie Kirk's Legacy
Johnson spoke about the murder of Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus on September 10, stating it "really shook everyone."
"It's been a rough two weeks," Johnson said. "He was a good friend of mine. He represented the best of America. We saw things very much the same."
Johnson emphasized that Kirk "was motivated by his fellow man." He added that he has spoken with numerous college students who were members of Kirk's Turning Point campus chapters.
He advised them: "If you want to honor Charlie's life and legacy advance his principles and adopt his approach...He was trying to win souls, not just debates."
