(MENAFN) House Speaker Mike Johnson has cautioned that the United States is heading toward “one of the longest” government shutdowns in its history unless Democrats agree to pass a new funding bill.

Speaking at a press briefing on the 13th day of the shutdown, Johnson accused Democrats of “obstruction,” claiming their unwillingness to compromise is deepening the stalemate. “This would be the third longest government shutdown in American history,” he said, adding, “We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history, unless Democrats dropped their partisan demands and passed a clean, no-strings-attached budget to reopen the government and pay our federal workers.”

Johnson insisted that Republicans remain open to negotiating long-term funding and addressing other legislative priorities but only in an open and transparent setting. “Republicans are eager to return to the actual negotiating table to finish out full year appropriations and do work on all the other matters before us, but we won't negotiate in smoke-filled back rooms, and we won't negotiate as hostages,” he emphasized.

While a shutdown does not immediately cause a financial collapse, it significantly disrupts daily life in the US and adds to uncertainty about the broader economy. Many federal employees have been furloughed or are working without pay, while others have been placed on mandatory leave until Congress approves a new budget. Each federal department operates under its own contingency plan that identifies which workers are deemed essential.

In past shutdowns, furloughed employees were not dismissed, and most government programs remained intact. However, Democrats have argued that the current approach may involve steps that are “likely illegal.”

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