Key Takeaways
• Former RNC Chair Michael Steele calls out Speaker Mike Johnson for excuses around the government shutdown
• Johnson claims he has no negotiating tools on the continuing resolution
• Steele argues Johnson controls the House schedule and stalled action on key bills
• The dispute centers on ACA subsidies and a petition for Epstein files release
• Steele demands the House return, swear in new members, and vote
Speaker Mike Johnson continues to blame Democrats for the government shutdown. He says he sent a clean measure to keep the government open. Yet the Senate refuses to pass it. In turn, Democrats insist Republicans must restore health care subsidies and act on a petition tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, former RNC Chair Michael Steele blasts Johnson’s claims as “baloney.” He insists Republicans hold all the cards to end the shutdown. Now, both sides face tough choices that affect millions of Americans.
Why the Government Shutdown Persists
The government shutdown began when Congress failed to pass a spending bill before the deadline. Consequently, parts of the federal government partially closed. Many agencies operate with limited staff. Others remain fully closed. Essential services continue, but many nonessential employees face furloughs. As time passes, the shutdown hits state economies and daily life. Moreover, it erodes public trust in lawmakers. Despite this, Speaker Johnson refuses to add his own priorities to the continuing resolution. He insists he has nothing to negotiate with.
Speaker’s Claims and Limits
Johnson told MSNBC that he sent the identical package the Senate approved before. He pointed out he removed all Republican policy items. Therefore, he can’t say, “Is it better now? Will you vote for it?” He adds Democrats suddenly seek “a political fight.” Thus, he blames them for the shutdown stalemate. Johnson says he has no leverage because he controls no policy on the bill. He insists he did his part to avoid a shutdown. However, critics say he could reopen the House to strike deals.
Steele’s Take on the Government Shutdown
Michael Steele, now an MSNBC host, calls Johnson’s statements false. He says the dispute “has nothing to do with partisanship.” Instead, Steele argues Republicans simply choose not to act. In fact, he notes House members left in August to avoid an Epstein petition vote. Then they returned and went home again. These decisions, Steele says, prove Republicans are not serious about ending the government shutdown. He insists that Johnson, as Speaker, holds total control over the House calendar and must use that power.
The Epstein Petition Factor
At the heart of this fight stands a discharge petition on the Jeffrey Epstein files. Epstein was a high-profile sex offender linked to many powerful figures. The bill would force the Justice Department to release investigation records. Some House members filed a petition to bring that bill to a vote. Yet Johnson stalled it. He refused to swear in a newly elected Arizona representative whose vote would trigger the petition. In effect, he blocked the process. Steele calls this tactic “baloney,” arguing the Speaker is the roadblock, not Democrats.
Health Care Subsidy Battle
Democrats demand Republicans restore Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at year’s end. These payments lower insurance costs for millions. Earlier this year, Republicans pushed a large spending bill that cut these subsidies. They dubbed it the “one big beautiful bill.” Now they must decide if they’ll undo their own work. Johnson says he lacks room to negotiate, since he removed all policy from the resolution. However, critics point out he could reinsert the subsidy fix and pass the bill quickly.
House Control and Leverage
Steele emphasizes that Johnson controls the House schedule. He can call members back at any time. He can have votes on health care, the Epstein petition, and more. Instead, he keeps members home. Thus, Steele insists Johnson refuses to take responsibility. He mocks Johnson’s claim he has no control. After all, the Speaker alone decides whether the House is open. He adds that if Johnson truly wanted to negotiate, he would gather members and talk.
The New Member Standoff
The fight over swearing in the Arizona lawmaker highlights GOP strategy. That new member would provide the one vote needed to force a petition vote on the Epstein files. Steele argues Johnson will not let her take the oath for that reason. Meanwhile, the House remains short one seat. Consequently, Democrats seize on this as proof that Republicans fear transparency. They say the Speaker fears what the public might learn from Epstein documents. Johnson counters that he follows House rules and respects tradition.
Public Impact and Opinion
As the shutdown stretches on, real harm spreads. Federal workers face missed paychecks. National parks and museums close. Food safety inspections slow. Small businesses near federal facilities lose income. Families grow anxious over delayed benefits. Polls show most voters blame Republicans more for the shutdown. They cite GOP infighting and unwillingness to compromise. Democrats argue that ending health care subsidy cuts could resolve part of the stalemate. Still, Republicans say restoring those funds contradicts their policy goals.
Possible Paths Forward
Several options exist to end the government shutdown. First, lawmakers could reopen the House and start negotiations. If Johnson calls members back, they could agree to restore ACA funding. They might also allow the Arizona lawmaker to join and free the Epstein petition. Second, Senate leaders could offer a new deal with concessions. Third, pressure from voters and the media could force Republicans to act. Finally, the White House could rally public opinion for a clean continuing resolution. Each path requires leadership and compromise.
Why This Matters
A prolonged shutdown risks economic damage and political fallout. Businesses lose contracts. States miss federal grants. Communities suffer from halted services. Politicians face voter backlash. Therefore, ending the fight quickly makes sense. In addition, the public demands action on the Epstein files. Citizens want transparency and justice. Moreover, many need relief from rising health care costs. These issues connect directly to the shutdown standoff. Yet, for now, both sides dig in and point fingers.
Conclusion
The struggle over the government shutdown shows the power and limits of the Speaker’s role. Mike Johnson insists he has no room to negotiate, blaming Democrats for delay. Meanwhile, Michael Steele says Johnson holds all the keys to reopen the House and solve disputes. As the stalemate continues, everyday Americans feel the impact. With millions depending on government programs, leaders must choose between stubborn silence and real compromise. Only then can the shutdown end and important issues move forward.
What happens next for the government shutdown? Will Speaker Johnson reopen the House and restore subsidies? Can Democrats push the Epstein petition to a vote? And how long will federal workers go without pay? The answers could define the next phase of American politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is holding up the spending bill?
The current stalemate stems from a dispute over health care subsidies and a petition on Jeffrey Epstein files. House leaders removed policy items, then blamed the other party for refusing to pass a clean bill.
Why won’t the Arizona lawmaker be sworn in?
The Speaker has delayed swearing in the new member. Her vote would trigger a petition vote on the Epstein records. Republicans fear the document release and thus block her seat.
How can the shutdown end quickly?
The quickest path is to reopen the House, restore subsidies, and allow the petition vote. That requires the Speaker to call members back and negotiate. Alternatively, the Senate could propose a new deal.
What impact does the shutdown have on Americans?
The shutdown pauses many federal services. National parks and museums close. Employees face furloughs and missed paychecks. Small businesses lose revenue. Delays hit public assistance and safety inspections.