Speaker Mike Johnson delivered a blistering statement Monday, accusing Democrats of prolonging the ongoing government shutdown as federal workers missed yet another paycheck. Standing beside visual aids outlining his argument, Johnson said the crisis has entered its 27th day and is “hurting hard-working Americans,” from TSA agents to military families. He insisted Republicans have voted more than a dozen times to reopen the government but can’t move legislation without Democratic support in the Senate.

Johnson claimed Democrats are holding the process hostage with “radical demands,” including billions for noncitizen health benefits and cuts to rural hospitals. “We cannot, we will not do those things,” he said, emphasizing that Republicans lack the 60 Senate votes required to pass a funding bill alone. As President Donald Trump’s team identifies potential spending cuts, Johnson argued the “simple truth” is clear: “Democrats are the ones keeping the government closed.”