Mon Oct 20 15:30:00 UTC 2025: Government Shutdown Drags On: Speaker Johnson Blames Democrats, Nuclear Security at Risk

Washington D.C. – October 20, 2025 – CBS News – The government shutdown is now the longest continuous shutdown in modern history. House Speaker Mike Johnson, in a press conference held alongside GOP leaders and members of the House Freedom Caucus, sharply criticized Democrats for what he called “publicity stunts” and accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of prioritizing his own political survival over the needs of the American people.

Johnson stated he would bring the House back into session if the Senate passes a bill to pay federal employees and military service members working without pay during the shutdown, but he expressed skepticism about its passage.

“I don’t have any faith that they’re going to pass it, though. I think that they’re going to continue to play games,” Johnson told CBS News.

Adding urgency to the situation, Johnson highlighted the potential impact of the shutdown on national security. He referenced plans by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to furlough a significant portion of its staff due to the funding shortfall. “Every day that the government is shut down, it is a danger to the American people. We are in a nuclear arms race with adversaries right now. It can’t be any more serious than this,” Johnson warned, adding that it would force the agency to lay off 80% of employees.

Johnson also reported speaking with President Trump this morning and scheduled a meeting in the Oval Office this afternoon. President Trump is also hosting Senate Republicans at the White House for lunch on Tuesday.

Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have rejected calls to reopen the government without addressing concerns over healthcare access and affordability. Sanders criticized the Republicans’ refusal to negotiate, stating they have done “zero” negotiating.

The Senate is scheduled to reconvene this afternoon and vote on a House-passed funding bill. Democratic support is needed to advance the measure and end the shutdown.

Adding to the strain, the federal judiciary announced that it would begin curtailing activities and furloughing staff due to the lack of funding, maintaining only essential operations necessary to perform its constitutional functions.

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