Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was promptly shut down for his shutdown comments on the House floor on Tuesday.
Johnson claimed the GOP is “negotiating in good faith,” “negotiating together for the best outcome for the people” and does “not desire” a government shutdown, which could begin as soon as Oct. 1.
Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) took issue with Johnson’s spin on the looming stop of federal operations, prompted by hardline House Republicans demanding spending cuts.
On taking the floor after Johnson, Boyle said:
“The previous speaker just said that no Republican member wants a shutdown. I have the quotes right here, which I will submit for the record when I’m done. One House Republican said, ‘Let’s shut it down.’ Another Republican colleague saying, ‘We shouldn’t fear a government shutdown, most Americans won’t even miss it.’ And the leader of the Republican Party, the former president (Donald Trump) saying, ‘Unless you get everything, shut it down.’”
“Make no mistake about it. We’re here because certain members on the other side of the aisle want a shutdown,” said Boyle.
“They even said they want a shutdown,” he added.
Watch the exchange here:
Johnson: We do not want a shutdown
Boyle: I have the quotes right here… Ever since I was in high school 30 years ago, we’ve had five shutdowns. All five took place under House Republican Leadership. When Democrats are in charge, zero shutdowns during that period pic.twitter.com/sF4RdEFo1Y
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 26, 2023
