Johnson to Reconvene House Next Week but Says It Can’t Do Much

The House will return to session next week, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters Wednesday, but can’t “do much on the floor” while the government is shut down.

His remarks came as Republicans stood firm on their position that Senate Democrats must change course and pass the House-passed continuing resolution. Johnson has insisted that the House already did its job by advancing a clean stopgap. He kept members in their districts this week and the chamber is scheduled to return Oct. 7.

Republicans’ absence has sparked constant criticism from Democrats, who say the chamber should be in session so Democrats ...