Pressure Grows On Speaker Johnson
Washington, D.C. — The pressure is boiling inside the Republican Party as conservative lawmakers demand that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) bring Congress back to Washington and get the government open again.
With the government shutdown grinding into another week, many GOP members are furious that the House remains in recess while federal workers — including military families — face shrinking or missing paychecks. The optics, they warn, could hurt Republicans and hand a political gift to Democrats.
🔥 “Our Troops Should Never Be Used as Political Pawns”
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), a Navy veteran representing Norfolk’s massive naval base, said what millions of Americans are thinking:
“Military pay should not be held hostage due to Washington’s dysfunction!”
Kiggans introduced a bill to guarantee full pay for U.S. troops during the shutdown and called on Speaker Johnson to act “immediately.”
Her effort has drawn support from President Donald Trump, who told reporters Congress will “probably” move to protect military pay — a clear signal that America’s Commander-in-Chief is ready to step in where Washington gridlock has failed.
“The President has made it clear: we must pay our troops,” Kiggans said.
🇺🇸 Trump Allies Push for Leadership to Act
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) joined the chorus, demanding Johnson recall the House “for many reasons.” She pointed to another crisis on the horizon — skyrocketing health insurance premiums expected once Obamacare subsidies expire.
Greene, known for her unapologetic defense of America First policies, said the GOP needs to “stop hiding behind closed doors” and “fight for American families before they get crushed by Democrat policies.”
Her comments echo what many Republican voters feel: it’s time for strong leadership, not more delays.
💥 “It’s a Bad Look to Stay Home During a Shutdown”
During a private conference call Thursday, multiple GOP lawmakers — including Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), and Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) — urged Johnson to reconvene the House immediately.
Veteran appropriator Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) put it bluntly:
“I don’t think it’s a good look to be home when the government shuts down.”
⚖️ Johnson Caught Between Trump Allies and Senate Holdouts
Speaker Johnson initially suggested he would back a stand-alone bill to pay the troops and air traffic controllers. But after pressure from Senate Republicans — who want to force Democrats’ hand — Johnson shifted course, saying Democrats should support the GOP’s broader spending plan instead.
“We’ve already voted to pay the troops,” Johnson told reporters. “The ball is in the court of Senate Democrats right now. That’s it.”
Some conservatives disagreed. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) blasted leadership for canceling votes three weeks in a row, saying,
“The Speaker shouldn’t even think about cancelling session again. Congress hasn’t done its job.”
🦅 Trump Could Step In to Protect the Troops
Johnson hinted that President Trump may take executive action to ensure service members get paid even if Congress stalls — a move that would protect military families and expose Democrat obstruction for what it is: politics over patriotism.
“The President is working on ways to ensure our troops are paid,” Johnson said Friday.
Such a step would protect the men and women in uniform — and prove once again that Trump delivers where Washington fails.
💪 Conservatives Say: Get Back to Work and Fight
For many Republicans, this battle is about more than budgets — it’s about showing voters that conservatives fight for the country, not for political optics.
“We were sent here to serve the people, not hide from responsibility,” one GOP lawmaker said privately.
The message is clear: Americans want leadership that stands for our troops, our taxpayers, and our future. And they know who’s been fighting for them — President Trump and the America First movement.
