In the political circus known as Congress, there is never a dull moment. House Speaker Mike Johnson recently appeared on Fox News to untangle the mess left by the recent government shutdown. It’s not every day that a politician admits to working without a day off in two years, but Johnson wants everyone to know that he’s been hustling hard. While some might picture a Congress members lounging on endless paid vacations, Johnson assures us that even off the clock, they’re busy working for the people. Well, that’s comforting.
The shutdown may be over, but the work is far from complete. With only 57 weekdays until January 31st, Congress has just a handful of days to push through nine appropriations bills. The House and Senate have been working on these bills all year long, and while there are a few disagreements between them, the Speaker is optimistic. After all, he argues, returning to regular order — which apparently hasn’t happened in decades — is a big deal. If it only took a shutdown to remind Congress how it’s supposed to function, one might wonder how low the bar has really gotten.
Johnson also addresses the critics who lament Congress’s lack of action during the shutdown, but he quickly deflects blame toward the Democrats, whom he accuses of orchestrating the chaos. While some Republican members expressed frustration, Johnson claims they actually did some of their best work amidst the shutdown, helping constituents navigate the confusion. Apparently, the Democrats’ repeated votes to keep the government closed left American families struggling, and yet, according to Johnson, the Democrats gained absolutely nothing from it. Ah, politics — where a blame game is always afoot.
On the appropriation front, House Democrat Rosa DeLauro has her grievances, accusing Republicans of sneaking provisions into bills. Johnson defends the Republicans’ use of presidential recision power, arguing that it’s a matter of fiscal responsibility. After all, if there’s waste or misuse of funds, it’s the administration’s job to claw it back. Johnson suggests Republicans are simply more adept at this than their Democratic counterparts, which might explain some of the discontent from across the aisle.
Meanwhile, Johnson touches on another scorching topic: the mysterious provision addressing senators’ data seized by federal law enforcement. This intriguing addition has drawn criticism for its murky optics, leaving public perception in question. Johnson, however, insists the motives were pure — aimed at curbing DOJ overreach. While some adjustments might be needed, Johnson remains resolute in preserving the provision’s integrity.
All in all, Johnson’s commentary speaks to the complexity and constant drama in Washington. For the everyday American, trying to follow the political narrative is like piecing together a soap opera. As the debates continue and deadlines loom, one can only hope for some comic relief or at least a birthday gift for the Speaker that doesn’t come in the form of yet another shutdown.
