Speaker Johnson Warns of Record-Breaking U.S. Government Shutdown

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., praises President Donald Trump's peacemaking efforts leading to a ceasefire pausing two years of war in the Gaza Strip, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson has cautioned that the ongoing U.S. government shutdown could become the longest in the nation’s history, as the political standoff between Republicans and Democrats shows no signs of easing.

Now in its 13th day, the shutdown has already shuttered federal offices, closed museums, and disrupted air travel across the country. Thousands of federal workers face layoffs, while unions have begun legal challenges against the administration’s actions.

Johnson, speaking at the Capitol, said he would not negotiate with Democrats until they suspend their healthcare-related demands and agree to reopen the government. “We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” he warned.

Vice President JD Vance described the cuts as “painful,” while critics argue the shutdown is being used to shrink the scope of government. With Congress divided and no compromise in sight, the impasse threatens to drag on indefinitely, leaving millions of Americans caught in the fallout.