House Speaker Johnson Slams Democratic Blockage Over Government Shutdown

As the government shutdown enters its fifth week, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has intensified his criticism of Democrat obstruction, warning that vital programs supporting low-income families are on the brink of collapse due to Democrats’ refusal to pass a funding bill. In a Friday press release, Johnson stated: “Important programs that millions of low-income parents, children, and seniors rely on—such as grocery assistance and early education—are teetering on the edge.”

Johnson emphasized that House Republicans had approved a “clean, non-partisan funding bill weeks ago,” yet Democrats continue to block it, acknowledging that the shutdown is one of the few instances where they wield “leverage,” even if it harms American families. He highlighted programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC), warning that tens of millions face benefit interruptions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) memo dated Oct. 24 confirmed that its $5 billion contingency fund cannot cover regular SNAP payments, potentially cutting food assistance for over 40 million Americans. Johnson also warned of impending threats to early childhood programs, noting that Head Start initiatives serving 750,000 children face grant disruptions affecting nearly 65,000 kids at 140 programs. Some centers, including those in Tallahassee, Florida, have already closed after exhausting reserves.

Johnson contrasted Republican and Democratic actions, stating: “Republicans have voted 14 times to provide SNAP, military pay, veterans’ health services, nutrition assistance for young women, the disabled, and the elderly. The Democrats have voted 14 times to block all of that.” He accused Democrats of prioritizing political leverage over aid, risking hunger and disrupted education.

The legislative stalemate persists as the Senate repeatedly rejects a clean continuing resolution, with Democrats blocking it on party-line votes. Republican leadership attributes the crisis to the other party’s unwillingness to compromise, not Republicans’ inaction. Federal agencies like the USDA and early-education grants face dire consequences as the shutdown continues without resolution.