After weeks of gridlock and growing frustration on Capitol Hill, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) applauded the Senate’s late-night decision to end its standoff over the government shutdown, calling the move “a great development — and long overdue.”

The Senate’s breakthrough vote, which came after marathon negotiations and public clashes between party leaders, clears the way for the government to reopen after what Johnson described as “a painful and unnecessary chapter” in Washington’s fiscal fight.

Speaking to Fox News Digital on Sunday morning, Johnson confirmed that the House would reconvene within 36 hours to finalize the agreement and “get the government fully back in operation.”

“Immediately,” Johnson said when asked about the timeline. “We’re going to get everybody back on a 36-hour notice, so it’ll be happening early this week.The comment signals that House Republicans — who have largely held firm behind Johnson’s fiscal demands — are preparing to reenter the fray quickly, even as tensions remain high over spending priorities, border security, and future debt negotiations.

Weeks of Deadlock and Political Theater

The shutdown battle began as a high-stakes standoff between House conservatives pushing for deeper spending cuts and Senate moderates who warned of the risks of prolonged disruption.

Behind the scenes, the impasse had taken a visible toll: national parks shuttered, federal workers furloughed, and key agencies operating on emergency funds.

For Johnson, the freshman Speaker who inherited a fractured GOP caucus, the shutdown saga was an early test of leadership. Critics accused him of bending to pressure from the party’s right flank, while allies praised him for standing firm against what he described as “runaway federal waste.”

“This was never about chaos,” Johnson said last week. “It was about principle — about making Washington accountable again.”

Still, as the standoff dragged into its third week, even some Republicans grew restless. Business leaders warned of market turbulence, and polls showed voter frustration mounting in battleground districts.

Senate Breakthrough: A Turning Point

The Senate’s late-night vote on Saturday effectively ended the stalemate, approving a short-term funding package to keep the government open through early spring.

The deal, crafted by a bipartisan group led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, ensures temporary funding for critical programs while allowing both chambers to continue negotiating long-term spending reforms.

In a surprise twist, several Democrats — including Sens. Tim Kaine, Jeanne Shaheen, and Maggie Hassan — joined Republicans in voting for the measure, citing the need for “stability and governance over politics.”

While some progressives criticized the bill for omitting additional social spending, Schumer defended it as a “pragmatic and necessary compromise to keep America running.”

For Johnson, however, the vote was more than procedural — it was validation.

“It vindicates our position all along,” Johnson said. “We said from the start that the Senate needed to act responsibly. They finally did.”

Johnson’s Calculated Return: Unity and Urgency

As he prepares to bring the House back into session, Johnson faces both opportunity and risk. The shutdown battle has solidified his standing among hardline conservatives, but also highlighted the deep divisions within his conference.

Several House Democrats have accused Johnson of “manufacturing crisis for political theater,” while centrist Republicans have urged him to pivot toward governing rather than grandstanding.

Still, insiders say Johnson’s next moves could define his speakership.

“Mike knows he can’t afford another drawn-out battle,” said one senior GOP aide. “But he also knows his base expects him to hold the line. The trick is finding a path that delivers both.”

Johnson, who rose to the speakership after Kevin McCarthy’s ouster, has positioned himself as a “constitutional conservative” — a believer in balanced budgets, limited government, and restoring trust in congressional process.

In a memo circulated to House members Sunday afternoon, he framed the Senate’s move as “a chance to reset the tone and refocus on fiscal discipline.”

What Happens Next

Under Johnson’s direction, the House is expected to return to Washington by Tuesday morning to debate the short-term funding bill. Lawmakers will likely vote on a continuing resolution (CR) that keeps the government funded for several more weeks while broader budget negotiations continue.

The timeline remains tight: Johnson’s 36-hour notice means members flying from across the country will have just over a day to prepare for floor votes and leadership briefings.

Meanwhile, Johnson has already signaled that he intends to press for additional spending transparency measures and stronger border provisions in future negotiations — two cornerstones of his “Restoring Trust in Government” agenda.

“We can’t keep doing business as usual,” he told reporters. “We need accountability, clarity, and a commitment to American taxpayers.”

Political Fallout — and a Glimpse Ahead

While the Senate’s vote may mark the end of the immediate shutdown crisis, political observers warn that deeper tensions remain unresolved.

Budget watchdogs caution that both parties face steep challenges in addressing rising deficits and entitlement reform. And with an election year looming, neither side seems eager to take political risks that could alienate key voter blocs.

Still, Johnson’s assertive tone and rapid response suggest he’s aiming to project control — and to remind both parties that the House remains a central player in shaping fiscal policy.

“The American people deserve better than chaos,” Johnson said. “We’ve had enough gridlock. It’s time for results.”

As Congress braces for another round of fiscal fights, Johnson’s ability to balance principle with pragmatism will likely determine whether his speakership becomes a fleeting moment or a lasting legacy.

For now, as Washington exhales after weeks of paralysis, one thing is clear: the House is back in motion — and Speaker Mike Johnson is determined to make every hour count.