House Speaker Johnson Blames Democrats for Government Shutdown Over Healthcare, Spending Disputes

House Speaker Mike Johnson has defended the Republican handling of the ongoing government shutdown, attributing the blame squarely to Democrats for refusing to support clean continuing resolutions and for demanding increased spending, including $1.5 trillion tied to healthcare for illegal aliens. Johnson criticized media outlets like CNN for censoring his statements and misrepresenting facts about the shutdown, particularly regarding Democratic support for healthcare subsidies for illegal immigrants. Despite President Donald Trump's use of AI-generated memes to mock Democrats, Johnson emphasized that Republican officials, including OMB Director Russ Vought, approach the shutdown responsibilities seriously and without pleasure. Johnson repeatedly highlighted that Republicans have offered clean, nonpartisan funding bills maintaining Biden-era spending levels, which Democrats have rejected. The Speaker also dismissed claims that negotiations on issues like Obamacare subsidies must precede reopening the government, noting that such policies do not expire until the end of the year and can be debated after funding is restored. Overall, Johnson framed the shutdown as a consequence of Democratic intransigence and excess demands, urging unity among Republicans to hold firm against these tactics.