Jeffries Challenges Speaker Johnson to Live Debate Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
Washington tensions flare when House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries challenges House Speaker Mike Johnson to a prime-time government shutdown discussion. Jeffries’ letter from Monday invited Johnson to a House floor discussion on bipartisan efforts to restore the government and enhance taxpayers’ lives.
The New York Democrat demanded immediate congressional-White House negotiations, accusing Republicans of hurting healthcare with their budget decisions. Jeffries’ public debate challenge was quickly rejected by Speaker Johnson.
Johnson told a press conference hours later that there was “nothing for us to negotiate,” signaling he would support the House’s Republican budget plan. The two chambers’ debate continued as Johnson stopped votes for the week.
The government shutdown is in its sixth day and pivotal as the Senate votes on two short-term financing proposals. Republican and Democratic bills rarely get 60 votes. The Republican bill would prolong government funding until late November for yearly spending negotiations. Democrats seek to keep Affordable Care Act tax subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts under legislation supported by former President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Johnson blasted Democrats’ low approval ratings and Jeffries’ debate challenge as a “desperate plea for attention.” He emphasized that Democrats had addressed similar issues in the House and had their say when the last Republican budget plan passed. “He had his shot,” Johnson said of Jeffries. “The House passed our bill despite their arguing, stomping, and screaming.”
The Speaker criticized Senate leaders and Jeffries for political theater. “This is a Chuck Schumer decision,” Johnson said, suggesting Senate Democrats can resolve the budget impasse.
Some Democrats believed Jeffries’ live debate request would fail, reports said. One House Democrat predicted Johnson’s rejection, questioning a serious conversation in the current political climate.
Despite the setback, Jeffries said Democrats have been steadfast. Former President Trump and the Republican Party prioritized political games over healthcare and stability for working Americans, he said, prompting the shutdown.
The deadlock has federal workers and agencies wondering when normal operations will resume as both parties trade blame. Washington’s partisan divide shows no signs of narrowing.
Sources:
Axios, The Hill, Associated Press
