Key Takeaways

• Rep. Kevin Kiley urges Speaker Johnson to call a House session now.
• He says the shutdown makes a House session even more critical.
• Kiley breaks with GOP strategy, favoring talks with Democrats.
• He demands Rep. Grijalva be sworn in without delay.

In a Sunday CNN interview, Rep. Kevin Kiley pressed Speaker Mike Johnson to reopen the House. He told CNN’s Manu Raju that there are many reasons for a House session this week. Kiley pointed out that lawmakers should handle daily business, even during a shutdown. He said that a House session is vital to solve the crisis faster. Moreover, he argued that the shutdown gives an even stronger reason to return.

Why a House session matters

Rep. Kiley said the House was supposed to meet the last two weeks. However, lawmakers stayed home instead. He noted that members still need to pass budgets, approve funding, and handle veterans’ benefits. Also, committees must meet to review policy changes. Therefore, he sees no excuse to block a House session when urgent work waits. A prompt House session would let both parties negotiate and end the shutdown.

Ending the Federal Shutdown

The shutdown stalled many government services. National parks closed, and many workers went unpaid. Kiley argued that lawmakers must act now. He said, “The fact that there’s a federal shutdown is all the more reason to be there.” By calling for a House session, he hopes Congress can reach an agreement. He believes talks will lead to funding bills that reopen agencies. As a result, federal workers would return and public services would resume.

Breaking from party strategy

Speaker Johnson decided to keep the House closed until Democrats agree to new border security measures. Many GOP members back that plan. Yet, Kiley disagrees. He broke with the speaker’s strategy of refusing to negotiate on big issues. He told Raju he wants lawmakers at the table. He said, “We need to meet, discuss, and find common ground.” In his view, a House session would show voters that Congress takes responsibility. Meanwhile, continuing a shutdown only frustrates Americans.

Swearing in Rep. Grijalva

Another point Kiley raised involved Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona. Grijalva won a special election but has not yet been sworn in. Kiley said, “There’s a duly elected member of Congress from that district, and she should be sworn in.” He hopes a House session would allow her to take her seat. He added that delaying this oath makes no sense. This issue, he said, is unrelated to broader budget fights. Yet it underlines why members must meet in person.

Looking ahead

If the House reconvenes, expect lively debates. Republicans will press for border rules and spending caps. Democrats will push for full agency funding and aid plans. Kiley believes that lawmakers can hammer out a deal within days. He expects both sides to make small adjustments on key issues. Then they could bundle several bills into one to reopen the government. He says this path offers the fastest end to the shutdown.

Moreover, he warns that keeping the House closed risks public anger. Polls show most voters blame Congress when services stop. Kiley argues that returning now would shift blame to both parties equally. As a result, lawmakers might move faster. He also notes that younger members want to prove they can solve big problems. For them, a successful House session could launch new careers.

This push for a House session shows rising tensions inside the GOP. Some members demand hardline stances on spending. Others, like Kiley, want quick resolutions and bipartisan deals. The coming days will test whether Speaker Johnson can unite his party. If enough Republicans join Kiley, Johnson may call back the House. Otherwise, the shutdown could drag on, deepening public frustration.

At its heart, Kiley’s argument is simple. Congress has work to do. They must pass budgets, swear in new members, and fix urgent issues. A House session lets them do that. Without it, the shutdown hurts Americans and damages Congress’s reputation. Therefore, he believes Speaker Johnson should change course and bring members back to Washington.

FAQs

What is Rep. Kevin Kiley asking for?

He wants the Speaker to call lawmakers back for a full House session to end the shutdown and handle daily business.

Why does Kiley say the shutdown increases the need for a House session?

He explains that halted services and unpaid workers make it urgent to fund agencies and pass emergency bills.

What strategy did Speaker Johnson use instead?

The Speaker chose to keep the House closed until Democrats agree to tougher border security measures.

How would a House session affect Rep. Grijalva?

A session would allow him, as a duly elected member, to be sworn in and start representing his district immediately.