US House Speaker Johnson: The House is coming back next week. The Senate needs to stay in this weekend and vote - Punchbowl Reporter on X

US House Speaker Johnson: The House is coming back next week. The Senate needs to stay in this weekend and vote - Punchbowl Reporter on X

The House of Representatives is set to reconvene next week, with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urging the Senate to stay in session this weekend to vote on a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown. The partial shutdown began at midnight on Wednesday after lawmakers failed to agree on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded.

During an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America," Speaker Johnson sparred with anchor George Stephanopoulos over the shutdown and the Democrats' proposal to extend tax credits for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) beyond the end of this year. Johnson argued that the measure could allow illegal immigrants to access healthcare, a claim that Stephanopoulos disputed, stating that illegal immigrants are ineligible for Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Program under the Affordable Care Act.

Johnson also criticized the Democrats' proposal, stating that it would unwind changes made by Republicans in the Affordable Care Act, including provisions that helped reduce premiums by removing ineligible recipients such as illegal immigrants and able-bodied young men. He cited the Congressional Budget Office's report confirming these changes .

The House Speaker's memo on the looming government shutdown threat also highlights the Democrats' stance, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other Democrats pushing for the extension of healthcare provisions for illegal immigrants. However, the memo emphasizes that the Democrats' proposal does not provide healthcare for illegal immigrants, as they are ineligible under the Affordable Care Act.

The partial shutdown has affected various government services and agencies, with some federal employees furloughed and others working without pay. The shutdown is expected to have economic implications, including potential disruptions to the financial markets and consumer confidence.