House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said the House will remain on 48-hour notice next week, likely meaning the chamber will remain out of session during that time.
The government shutdown is soon to enter its third week, with Democrats and Republicans unable to compromise.
With the House out of session, Congress won’t be able to send the funding resolution back for any reworking.
Johnson has said he will not have the House vote on a new funding resolution because he believes the current one is sufficient for the Senate. He sent members home to pressure the Senate to keep that resolution.
It also may mean Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva will remain out of office. Johnson said that he wants to wait until the government is open to swear her in, despite pleas from Democrats to do so immediately.
Johnson said Friday that Grijalva can serve her constituents right now, even though she isn’t officially a House member.
“You can be serving your constituents right now. You have an office. She’s hired 16 employees,” he said, adding that if her office is locked, it’s because she’s “choosing” not to represent her constituents.
SHUTDOWN FRUSTRATES GOP APPROPRIATIONS CARDINALS AS STANDOFF FREEZES FUNDING PROCESS
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) pleaded with Democrats to sit down and speak about a healthcare deal. But he also said he’s unwilling to “negotiate under hostage conditions.”
“I am willing to sit down with Democrats to discuss the growing unaffordability and unsustainability of Obamacare,” he wrote on X. “It’s a system they created, but I’m happy to hear them out. Heck, I’m even willing to give them a vote. Today. Tomorrow. Next week. You name it. But there’s one condition: End the Schumer Shutdown. I will not negotiate under hostage conditions, nor will I pay a ransom. Period.”