House Democrats are lashing out at Republicans, accusing them of being “on vacation” as the government shutdown enters its eighth day.
“House Democrats were here last week. House Democrats were here this week. House Democrats will be here next week,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said at a news conference on Capitol Hill today. “House Republicans are on vacation right now, which is amazing.”
Speaker Mike Johnson has not attended a House meeting since passing the government funding bill last month.
After planning a recess week around the Jewish holiday last month, Republican leaders notified lawmakers that the House would not convene for another two weeks, signaling that it would be up to the Senate to send any House-passed government funding package to President Donald Trump’s desk.
The minority leader reiterated that “in good faith, the caucus will evaluate everything that comes before the Senate,” but that “it has to be meaningful in terms of making a difference in the lives of the American people.”
Likewise, Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern pointed out the irony of the moment when he accused Republicans of seeking to impose stricter work requirements for some programs, such as food stamps.
“Let’s put work requirements in place so Republicans can come to Congress and do their damn job,” he said.
