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WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Speaker Mike Johnson intensified
his criticism of the Democratic Party on Monday, directly blaming them for the
crisis stemming from the partial shutdown of the federal government, which has
now lasted nearly a month and is keeping millions of American workers in limbo.
During a press conference at the Capitol, Johnson stated
that the consequences of the political gridlock are affecting “working families
in every corner of the country,” while also noting that the inaction of Senate
Democrats has prevented a budget agreement that would allow federal agencies to
reopen.
“The 27th marks almost a full month since the Democrats shut
down the government,” the Republican leader declared. “The suffering of
millions of Americans is real and worsens every day. Last week, 1.4 million
federal employees did not receive their full pay; many are furloughed and
others continue to work without pay because they are considered essential.”
The shutdown, triggered by a lack of consensus on the new
government spending package, has partially paralyzed operations at several
government agencies and federal programs. The most affected services include
transportation agencies, national parks, administrative offices, and social
programs.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, along with his
budget chief, continues to assess specific areas of federal spending for
potential cuts, as part of a Republican strategy aimed at reducing the deficit
and limiting the size of government.
Johnson insisted that his party's priority is to restore
fiscal stability without raising taxes, and accused Democrats of obstructing
negotiations by insisting on maintaining "unsustainable spending
levels."
For their part, Democratic leaders responded that the
shutdown is a political maneuver by the Republican bloc, aimed at imposing
drastic cuts on health, education, and social assistance programs.
With each passing day, the impact of the shutdown becomes
more evident: delays in federal payments, suspension of essential services,
temporary closure of government offices, and growing economic uncertainty
across various sectors.
Economists warn that if the political conflict continues,
the country could face a significant economic slowdown toward the end of the
year.
“Each week of shutdown costs the country billions and erodes
trust in institutions,” noted a report from the Brookings Institution.
Meanwhile, negotiations in Congress continue without
substantial progress, and federal workers—who represent an essential part of
the U.S. administrative apparatus—continue to await a solution that will end
the protracted political impasse.