Speaker Mike Johnson Blames Democrats for Looming Government Shutdown- 2025
Washington, D.C. – September 29, 2025 — As the U.S. government edges closer to a shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is placing the blame squarely on Democrats, accusing them of prioritizing their progressive base over the nation’s fiscal stability.
In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Johnson criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for demanding over $1.5 trillion in new spending as a condition for keeping the government funded. He argued that these demands are not only excessive but also politically motivated to appease the far-left wing of the Democratic Party.
“Democrats are willing to shut down the government just to satisfy their far-left base,” Johnson stated. “They’re holding the American people hostage for policies completely unrelated to government funding.”
Johnson emphasized that Republicans have proposed a clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution to extend funding through November 21, without any additional policy riders. He contended that this approach is a responsible solution to avoid a shutdown and maintain essential government services.
The Standoff: Healthcare vs. Fiscal Responsibility
The core of the disagreement centers on healthcare funding. Democrats are pushing to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. They argue that failing to extend these subsidies would jeopardize healthcare access for millions of Americans.
Conversely, Republicans, led by Johnson, insist on a “clean” funding bill without additional spending provisions. They argue that the ACA subsidies are unrelated to the immediate need to fund the government and should be addressed separately.
“We cannot allow the government to be held hostage over unrelated policy demands,” Johnson asserted.
Political Implications: Who Will Bear the Blame?
With the shutdown deadline fast approaching, both parties are preparing for the political fallout. Republicans are framing the situation as a choice between fiscal responsibility and progressive overreach. They have launched an ad campaign targeting 25 vulnerable House Democrats, urging their constituents to hold them accountable for any potential shutdown.
Democrats, on the other hand, are positioning themselves as defenders of healthcare access. They argue that Republicans are sacrificing the well-being of American families for political gain.
As the clock ticks down, the American public remains divided on who is to blame for the looming shutdown. The outcome may have significant implications for the 2026 midterm elections, as voters assess which party is more committed to addressing their needs.
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What’s Next?
With just hours before the shutdown deadline, the prospects for a resolution remain uncertain. Both parties have dug in their heels, and President Donald Trump has expressed support for the Republican position, further complicating negotiations.
As the situation develops, Speaker Johnson and other Republican leaders continue to advocate for a clean funding bill, urging Democrats to separate healthcare issues from the immediate need to keep the government operational.
For more updates on this developing story, follow our coverage on Fox News.