WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct 29, 2025 – As the federal government shutdown enters its 28th day, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) sharply criticized Democrats on Tuesday, accusing them of prioritizing “far-left radicals” over essential workers and vulnerable Americans suffering from lapsed services.
In a fiery press conference on Capitol Hill, captured in a video clip shared on X (formerly Twitter), Johnson argued that Democrats’ refusal to support a short-term funding measure – known as a continuing resolution (CR) – is driven by political fear rather than principle. “The Democrats right now fear the far-left activists more than they fear air traffic controllers, border patrol agents, [and] American service members,” Johnson said, his voice rising as he addressed reporters flanked by fellow Republicans.
The standoff has paralyzed non-essential federal operations since early October, marking what could become the longest shutdown in U.S. history if unresolved. Johnson’s remarks came amid mounting pressure from federal employee unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing federal workers, which publicly urged Democrats to back the House-passed “clean” CR on Monday. The bill would extend funding through mid-November without additional policy riders, averting further furloughs and delayed paychecks for over 2 million federal workers.
Even the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has escalated warnings, posting flyers in airports to highlight risks to air travel safety due to staffing shortages. “The real danger is being imposed for air travel [and] air safety in this country,” Johnson emphasized, calling the Democrats’ position “profoundly misguided.”
Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), have countered that the Republican bill fails to address critical needs, such as disaster relief for hurricane-hit regions and protections for programs like SNAP (food assistance). Senate Democrats blocked a similar measure on Monday, with negotiations stalling over demands for billions in supplemental funding. The White House has launched a “Government Shutdown Clock” website to track the impasse, blaming Democratic “demands” for risking services for millions.
Johnson’s X post, which garnered over 42,000 views in under 24 hours, amplified the clip with a pointed caption: “Democrats fear the far left radicals in their base much more than they fear air traffic controllers, Border Patrol agents, and service members missing paychecks. … Democrats have an off-ramp. They just need the courage to take it.” The post drew a polarized response, with supporters praising Johnson’s call for bipartisanship and critics accusing Republicans of using the shutdown as leverage for unrelated priorities, including immigration enforcement.
As the shutdown drags on, impacts are rippling nationwide: Food banks are bracing for a surge in demand as SNAP benefits lapse, small businesses reliant on Small Business Administration loans face delays, and national parks remain partially closed. President Biden addressed the crisis in a brief statement Tuesday, reiterating that “a government shutdown is a threat to us all” and calling on Congress to act swiftly.
With the Senate set to reconvene Wednesday, pressure is mounting on both parties. Johnson concluded his briefing by invoking congressional duty: “Reopen the government [and] get [federal] workers paid. It’s our number one priority and responsibility.”
Analysts warn that prolonged closure could cost the economy up to $6 billion per week, exacerbating inflation concerns ahead of the holiday season. For now, the “off-ramp” Johnson described remains untraveled, leaving millions in limbo.
