Here’s what was said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) told fellow Republicans during a private weekend call that the GOP is winning the message war over the Democrat-led government shutdown — and urged lawmakers to keep up the pressure on Democrats in Congress.
The private call, obtained by Fox News Digital, took place on the fourth day of the shutdown — just one day after Senate Democrats blocked a Republican plan to keep the government funded through November 21.
Johnson said Republicans should use the coming week to speak directly to their constituents about how the shutdown impacts everyday Americans, and who’s really responsible for it.
“If we hold the line,” Johnson told members, “this shutdown will end quickly — but we must stay united.”
Republicans Stand Firm Against Biden-Backed Spending
The House GOP already passed its continuing resolution (CR) on September 19, a short-term spending plan that keeps funding steady for seven weeks while demanding serious accountability on border security and wasteful programs.
But Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats rejected it — for the fourth time.
Now, Johnson says the House will not return to Washington until Democrats agree to reopen the government under responsible terms. The Speaker also canceled next week’s session, calling it a “district work period” so Republicans can talk directly to voters about what’s at stake.
Insiders say no Republicans disagreed, showing rare party unity behind the Speaker’s leadership.
“We passed it,” Johnson said. “The Senate rejected it. The House will return when Chuck Schumer allows us to reopen the government. That’s plain and simple.”
Democrats Push for More Spending, Liberal Handouts
Democrats, furious about being sidelined, are pushing a counter-proposal stuffed with partisan wish-list items — including:
- Extending Obamacare subsidies expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Restoring funding to NPR and PBS — the same liberal outlets cut earlier this year
- Reversing Republican cuts to Medicaid abuse under the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBB)
Republicans immediately blasted the Democrat plan as a nonstarter, saying it rewards illegal immigrants, grows the deficit, and prioritizes left-wing pet projects over American workers and veterans.
GOP leaders reminded voters that Democrats have supported similar “clean” funding bills 13 times under Joe Biden, but suddenly refuse to do so now that Donald Trump’s policies are back in the conversation.
Shutdown Reality: Democrats Put Servicemembers and Families at Risk
During the call, GOP leaders reminded members that military servicemembers will miss paychecks if Democrats continue blocking the bill.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) warned that October 15 is the next scheduled payday for troops — one that could go unpaid if Schumer and Senate Democrats don’t act soon.
Republicans also pointed out that federal flood insurance and other vital programs could run dry while Democrats play politics in Washington.
Meanwhile, Democrats accuse Republicans of “misinformation” — but facts tell a different story. The GOP’s funding plan keeps America open, protects taxpayers, and cuts waste — while Democrats’ proposal gives money to illegal immigrants and liberal broadcasters.
The Bottom Line: Johnson and GOP Hold the Line
Republicans say this shutdown fight isn’t about politics — it’s about common sense and accountability.
Speaker Mike Johnson urged lawmakers to stand firm and make sure voters know who’s really holding America hostage.
“We’re fighting for fiscal sanity, border security, and government accountability,” one GOP aide said. “Democrats are fighting for more spending, more chaos, and more control.”
As this standoff enters another week, the message from the GOP is clear:
Hold the line. Stay united. And keep the pressure on.
