House Speaker Mike Johnson Declares End of Longest Government Shutdown as Negotiations Intensify

By Newsmax Wires | Monday, 10 November 2025 10:59 AM EST

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., declared Monday that the nation is “at the beginning of the end” of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Speaking at the Capitol, Johnson stated that some Senate Democrats “finally have stepped forward to end the pain” after more than 40 days of gridlock impacting millions of Americans.

Johnson criticized Democrats for what he called “needless suffering,” while praising Republicans and President Donald Trump for maintaining a firm stance. He reiterated that Republicans remain open to “finding solutions to reduce the oppressive costs of healthcare under the Un-Affordable Care Act” but emphasized they would “never negotiate as hostages.”

Calling the shutdown “shameful,” Johnson argued that “shutting down the government never produces anything” and urged swift action to reopen federal operations. Negotiators continued discussions Monday on a plan to restore funding and resume normal government functions.

Key remarks from Johnson’s press conference included:
1. A call for House lawmakers to return immediately, stating, “We have to do this as quickly as possible… We look forward to the government reopening this week so Congress can get back to our regular legislative session.”
2. Details on a 36-hour formal notice for the House to return after Senate amendments to the CR vote, with Johnson promising, “At the very moment that they do that final vote, I will call all House members to return to Washington as quickly as possible.”
3. Concerns over flight disruptions caused by overworked and underpaid air traffic controllers, noting that nearly half of domestic flights were canceled or delayed as of Sunday.
4. An overview of the Senate’s amended continuing resolution, which would reopen the government until Jan. 30, include full funding for SNAP through September 2026, back pay for federal workers, and three appropriations bills.

Newsmax writer Eric Mack contributed to this report.