The shutdown of the United States (U.S.) federal government was extended yesterday to the seventh day, with no solution in sight, after Senate Democrats once again blocked the Republican proposal to extend government funding until November 21st.
Journalist Mike Johnson reported that his remarks came a day after the Senate, the upper house of the U.S. Congress, rejected the Republican temporary funding bill passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 52:42, failing to reach the threshold of 60 votes.
“Republicans are trying to fund the government, and it is necessary for Republicans and Democrats to work together to make that happen,” Johnson said.
He added that he wants the furloughed workers to receive their back pay.
“I hope that the furloughed workers will receive their back pay. Of course, we have some exceptional Americans who serve in the federal government. They serve bravely, work hard, and serve in various agencies, doing truly important work,” he added.
Although the shutdown did not automatically result in a complete economic crisis, it created major disruptions in many aspects of American life.
Most federal employees considered essential are on forced leave or compelled to work without pay, while others have been placed on mandatory leave until a new budget is approved. Trump further threatened layoffs during the shutdown.
The Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, said on Tuesday that the government remains closed due to the “refusal and unwillingness” of President Donald Trump and the Republicans to provide healthcare to U.S. workers.
“That is an unacceptable stance, and that is why the Democrats continue to fight on behalf of the U.S. people,” Jeffries said at a press conference.
The Democrats are “really concerned” about the government shutdown caused by Trump and the Republicans, Jeffries added, warning that “part of the reckoning is the continued destruction of the U.S. economy.”
“Let’s deal with the timing on behalf of the U.S. people. Let’s reopen the government. Let’s end the government shutdown because of Trump. Let’s actually pass a spending agreement that will improve the lives of the U.S. people,” he concluded.
