House Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that representatives will vote “as soon as possible” on the Senate’s bipartisan compromise to reopen the federal government, signaling cautious optimism after weeks of gridlock that have rattled Washington and strained public patience.
Speaking to reporters outside his office, Johnson confirmed that discussions with Senate leaders were ongoing and that a vote could take place “hopefully this week,” depending on how quickly the text of the agreement can be finalized and circulated among House members.
“We’re reviewing the details of the Senate’s compromise, but our goal is clear — to reopen the government responsibly, without sacrificing fiscal discipline or core conservative principles,” Johnson said. “We want to move as soon as possible. Americans deserve stability, not shutdowns.”
The statement marked Johnson’s most direct acknowledgment yet that the House would likely need to adopt a bipartisan plan crafted primarily in the Senate — a move that could test his leadership within a sharply divided Republican conference.
The shutdown, now stretching into its fourth week, has closed national parks, stalled small business loans, and forced hundreds of thousands of federal workers to rely on savings or temporary assistance. The political pressure is mounting not only from Democrats but also from governors, mayors, and business groups urging Congress to act before the economic fallout deepens.
A Fragile Compromise
The Senate package, negotiated over the weekend by a cross-party group led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, includes a short-term continuing resolution that would fund the government through February, while extending several key programs related to disaster relief and veterans’ health care.
It notably omits new funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall and delays debate over additional aid to Ukraine — two flashpoints that have split the GOP in recent months.
According to Senate aides, the measure passed the upper chamber in the early hours of Monday morning by a wide bipartisan margin, with 74 senators voting in favor and 25 opposed.
Now, all eyes turn to the House.
The Speaker’s Balancing Act
For Speaker Johnson, the path forward is narrow and treacherous. Elected just weeks before the shutdown began, Johnson has struggled to unite the fractious Republican majority — torn between pragmatic conservatives who want to avoid further damage and a vocal right-wing bloc that views any compromise with Democrats as a betrayal of principle.
Privately, several GOP aides say Johnson has been weighing whether to put the Senate bill directly on the floor under “suspension of the rules,” which would require a two-thirds majority but bypass procedural hurdles that could delay the vote. That option, however, risks inflaming hardliners who believe the Speaker is surrendering leverage.
“Mike’s walking on a tightrope,” one senior House Republican told The Capitol Ledger. “If he blocks the vote, the country blames us for prolonging the shutdown. If he allows it, the Freedom Caucus will call for his head.”
Still, Johnson’s allies say the Louisiana Republican — a relative newcomer to national leadership — has shown steadiness under pressure. “He’s not chasing headlines; he’s trying to govern,” said Rep. Steve Scalise, his fellow Louisianan and longtime friend. “We’ve all got to remember that the American people expect results.”
Democrats Push for Speed
Across the aisle, Democrats applauded the Senate deal as a “step in the right direction” but warned against further delays. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged Johnson to act “without games or gimmicks.”
“Every hour of inaction means more families go without paychecks and more services are disrupted,” Jeffries said. “It’s time for the House to do its job and reopen the government.”
Progressive Democrats, however, have expressed frustration that the compromise does not include provisions for expanded child tax credits or rent relief — measures they argue are crucial to helping working families weather the economic uncertainty.
The Public’s Patience Wears Thin
Outside Washington, frustration is boiling over. According to a new Pew Research Center poll, 62% of Americans now blame Congress as a whole for the shutdown, while just 21% point directly to the White House.
Federal employees have begun staging silent protests in front of regional offices, holding signs that read “We Work for America — Let Us Work.” Economists estimate that the shutdown has already cost the U.S. economy nearly $6 billion in lost productivity and consumer confidence.
Even Wall Street has begun to take notice: Monday morning, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 180 points on concerns about government instability and delayed payments to contractors.
A Race Against Time
If Johnson brings the measure to the floor this week, it could pass with overwhelming bipartisan support — but the political cost could be high. Several conservative groups, including the Heritage Foundation’s political arm, have already warned that any “clean” resolution would be viewed as “a surrender to reckless spending.”
Meanwhile, moderate Republicans from swing districts are pleading for action. “Our constituents don’t care about inside-the-Beltway politics,” said Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.). “They want the government open. They want certainty.”
As the hours tick down, Johnson’s next move could define not only his speakership but also the tone of the 2025 legislative session.
If the House delays, furloughs will deepen and public confidence will erode further. If it acts quickly, Johnson could emerge as a stabilizing figure capable of leading in crisis — or face rebellion from within his own party.
For now, the Speaker is staying measured.
“We’re going to do the responsible thing,” Johnson said Monday night. “We’re reviewing every line of this proposal. But our intention is to act — and act soon.”
The halls of Congress, weary from weeks of tension, are bracing for one more decisive vote.
And this time, Americans are watching more closely than ever.
