During a recent press briefing at the Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his support for ensuring furloughed federal workers receive back pay following the government shutdown. 

Johnson stated, “As I understand, it’s customary for them to be compensated. There are alternative legal viewpoints circulating, but I haven’t had the chance to fully explore those yet. Traditionally and under statutory laws, federal employees receive their pay, and that remains my stance. They shouldn’t endure financial distress due to political maneuverings by Chuck Schumer.”

He also dismissed the notion of reconvening the House to vote on individual measures for funding military personnel, noting that House Democrats previously had the opportunity to support the continuing resolution that would have prevented the shutdown.

Johnson remarked, “Hakeem Jeffries and the House Democrats are eager for another vote, aiming to publicly endorse troop payments. However, that decision has already been made with the CR. Every Republican and even a few Democrats recognized the need to keep the government operating, ensuring pay for our military, air traffic controllers, Border Patrol, TSA, and others. We made that decision already.”

He added, “They’ve made their choice. The responsibility now lies with the Senate. There’s no benefit in remaining here for symbolic votes.”

The speaker said Republicans are “not asking the Democrats to do anything heroic.”

“We’re simply requesting they fulfill their fundamental obligations,” Johnson emphasized. “The government’s primary role is to protect its citizens, and the individuals meant to be safeguarded are being shortchanged by Senate Democrats who are prioritizing political games.”