House Democratic leaders are calling on House Republicans to “do your job” and pass a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown next week, as conservatives continue to hammer Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) over making a deal with Senate Democrats.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) said in a post to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday that “Republican extremists” were threatening a government shutdown that is looming in a week.
“We’re staring down another government funding deadline in 1 week,” Clark said. “That means missed paychecks for workers, lapsed veterans’ benefits, delayed services for seniors, & more unnecessary pain for Americans.”
“House GOP: Do your job,” she continued.
We’re staring down another government funding deadline in 1 week.
Republican extremists are threatening a shutdown.
That means missed paychecks for workers, lapsed veterans’ benefits, delayed services for seniors, & more unnecessary pain for Americans.@HouseGOP: Do your job.
— Katherine Clark (@WhipKClark) January 12, 2024
Other Democratic leaders are calling attention to the effects of a government shutdown, warning the incident could damage the economy.
“To the extent that House Republicans back away from an agreement that was just announced a few days ago, it will make clear that House Republicans are determined to shut down the government, crash the economy, and hurt the American people,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said during a Thursday press briefing.
Johnson was among a small group of congressional leaders representing both parties and both chambers that endorsed a top-line agreement on Sunday. The $1.59 trillion spending deal has earned Johnson severe backlash from hard-line conservatives who are threatening to vote against funding the government unless the Biden administration seriously addresses the southern border crisis.
Lawmakers have until Jan. 19 to pass the first batch of appropriations bills, after which several federal agencies will enter a partial government shutdown. While some top Senate Republicans have conceded a continuing resolution will be needed, Johnson has sidestepped on whether he will move forward with the idea.
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House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA) accused House Republicans of putting “MAGA extremism” over funding the government during a press conference on Wednesday.
“Marjorie Taylor Greene is dictating the floor agenda, and we waste time on baseless impeachment inquiries only days away from a government shutdown,” Aguilar said.